ActionAid The Gambia holds dialogues on civic space

Youth exclusion finally sparks real pushback as local leaders and activists team up to shake things up.

ActionAid The Gambia

• ActionAid The Gambia hosted talks with young folks and elders.
• Saikou Darboe pushed civic lessons beyond just voting.
• The two-year effort gets money from a UN project.
• Darboe hopes the sessions tear down old obstacles.

North Bank Region

• Seedy Lamin Bah saw big crowds of youth and women.
• He called the group a positive signal for tomorrow.
• Young people make up most of the population there.
• Bah stressed that empowering them lifts the whole economy.

Mansakonko Area Council

• Landing B. Sanneh demanded more youth and women's seats.
• He reminded everyone that youth input matters for progress.
• Sanneh promised the council would protect their rights.
• His team wants voices heard loud and clear now.

Mayamba Village

• Alhassan Alieu Bah pointed out widespread knowledge gaps.
• He thanked organizers for starting these open chats.
• Women hold a huge slice of the population.
• Bah linked their involvement directly to better growth.

Participant Views

• Nenneh Dukureh liked the focus on job shortages.
• Kabiro Dampha rejected picking leaders by party ties.
• Lamin Fadera suggested limits on committee positions.
• Binta Jarju blasted norms that keep women at home.