At the recent Sahel Governance Forum held in The Gambia, themed “Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Governance in the Sahel – From Intention to Actions,” stakeholders from across the region came together to examine the role of women in shaping governance in the Sahel.
The discussions took a historical lens, tracing women’s enduring influence in leadership and decision-making from pre-colonial societies, where women often served as queens, advisors, market leaders, and custodians of community justice, to the modern era, where their voices continue to push for democratic reform and inclusive policies.
Speakers and panellists underscored that while commitments to gender equality have multiplied in speeches, charters, and policies, the pace of implementation remains slow. They stressed the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric toward tangible, actionable strategies that not only open doors for women to participate in governance but also ensure they have the resources, authority, and protection to lead effectively.
In this edition, we will focus on the Key recommendations, including, among other things, addressing cultural and structural barriers that limit women’s participation.
