Gambia Participates Trains Youth, Women to Lead Election Advocacy

Young Gambians and women have been challenged to take charge of the digital space and use it to drive credible, peaceful and inclusive elections in December.

The call was made during a 3-day training organised by Gambia Participates at the Bakadaji Hotel under the FIAP project. 35 young women and men from across the country were equipped with skills in electoral information sharing, civic education and political advocacy ahead of the presidential election.

Ms Annetta BV Mahoney of Gambia Participates said the training was designed to convert youth’s growing online presence into real political influence.

“Young people, especially young women, remain underrepresented in decision-making despite dominating digital platforms,” Mahoney said. “This programme gives them the skills and networks to move from scrolling to shaping the national conversation.”

She noted that many young Gambians already use WhatsApp groups, videos and hashtags to debate elections, governance and public services. What was missing, she said, was strategy, safety and reach.

EU Deputy Head of Mission in The Gambia, Raphael Brigandi, said social media is now the frontline of political debate and accountability.

“But the same platforms can be weaponized to spread hate, intimidation and false information,” Brigandi warned.

“Democracy is not only about having a voice. It’s about using that voice safely, freely and with dignity.”

He urged participants to apply the training to promote fact-based advocacy and peaceful participation.

Spanish Chargée d’Affaires, Maria Dolores Artola, said youth and women must have a seat at the table.

“With The Gambia’s youthful population, creating safe spaces for young people to speak and lead is not optional — it is essential,” Artola said. Spain, she added, is proud to support the programme as part of growing cooperation with The Gambia on democratic governance.

Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, joined the call for responsible communication as the country heads to the polls.

He stressed that civic participation must be matched with truth, respect and national interest.

The training covered storytelling, content creation, online safety, and campaign development. Participants left with practical tools to fact-check, mobilize voters, counter disinformation, and run advocacy campaigns online and offline.

Gambia Participates said the goal is simple: ensure young people and women are not just voters, but leaders in shaping how the election is discussed and decided.

The message to participants was direct — own the narrative, reject hate, and use your platforms to defend democracy.