The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the INSPIRE Project, has launched a series of grassroots town hall meetings aimed at promoting inclusive democratic participation across The Gambia.
Held under the theme, “Empowered Voices, Peaceful Choices: Women and Youth Shaping Inclusive Democracy,” the initiative commenced in Basse, Upper River Region (URR), and Essau, North Bank Region (NBR), and forms part of a nationwide campaign that will cover all seven administrative regions of the country.
The town hall sessions bring together women’s groups, market associations, youth organisations, rural cooperatives, faith-based leaders and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to discuss issues affecting their participation in governance and democratic processes. The programme seeks to promote inclusive participation, empower women to overcome structural barriers, enhance citizens’ understanding of the electoral process, and raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech, divisive rhetoric and inflammatory political communication.
Participants at the meetings stressed the importance of preserving peace and national unity before, during and after elections.
Speaking during the discussions, Babading Camara, Village Development Committee (VDC) Chair of Chamoi, called on citizens to maintain peaceful relations irrespective of political affiliation.
“Party affiliation should not divide us. We should embrace peace over conflict. The outcome of election results should not lead us into conflict,” he said.
Also contributing to the discussion, Abdoulie Mballow of the Rural Support Organisation for the Disabled underscored the need for meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in civic and political processes.
According to him, inclusion should extend beyond invitations to public events and must address practical barriers that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities.
The discussions in Basse and Essau highlighted the significance of community-based civic education in creating platforms where citizens can openly share their experiences, concerns and aspirations. Participants noted that such engagements are essential for strengthening democratic participation, promoting social cohesion and fostering informed citizenship.
The NCCE said the nationwide outreach will continue across the remaining regions as part of efforts to support a peaceful, inclusive and participatory democratic environment in The Gambia.
