Banjul, The Gambia (July 7, 2025) – A five-day regional training programme aimed at strengthening monitoring and reporting capacities on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda is underway in Banjul, The Gambia. The course, organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in collaboration with The Gambia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and supported by the Government of Sweden through SIDA, is training national focal points and representatives from across institutions to effectively implement and report on the WPS Agenda using the African Union’s Continental Results Framework (CRF).
The training is being facilitated by KAIPTC’s Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute, and is grounded in a training manual developed in partnership with the AU Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. It responds to calls by AU Member States for support in operationalising the CRF, which was adopted in 2018 by the AU Peace and Security Council to bridge the gap between policy commitment and implementation of the WPS Agenda.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Acting Commandant, Air Commodore David Akrong emphasized the Centre’s continued commitment to advancing peace and security through capacity building.
“As we gather in Banjul today, we recognize the critical role that WPS focal persons play in broadening the Agenda across our continent. The National Action Plan is not just a strategy—it reflects our collective commitment to gender equality and inclusive peacebuilding in Africa.”
Air Commodore David Akrong added that the probe into the intricacies of reporting and monitoring, are aimed at fashioning a safer, more impartial and equal society for all. He urged all participants to reaffirm their commitment to proceeding women’s rights and empowerment, as well as instituting a culture of peace, justice, and equality for everyone.
“The WPS Agenda is more than just a moral commitment; it is a strategic requirement for establishing resilient and peaceful societies,” he concluded.
The training adopts a ‘trainer-of-trainers’ model, enabling participants to replicate lessons learned within their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. Participants are being equipped to apply CRF indicators, prepare reports on the implementation of UNSCR 1325, and identify gaps and barriers to progress.
In a keynote address, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, highlighted progress made in The Gambia’s WPS implementation, while pointing to persistent challenges.
“Limited funding, low representation of women in decision-making, and patriarchal societal norms continue to hinder full implementation. This training is critical to help address these barriers through harmonised data collection and effective reporting.”
Also delivering remarks, Hon. Serign Njie, Gambia’s Minister for Defence, underscored the complex and evolving security threats on the continent, which often disproportionately affect women and girls.
“From violent extremism to climate-induced displacement, women are bearing the brunt. Yet they are also leading as peacebuilders and human rights defenders. Without appropriate mechanisms to measure and track their participation, our policies risk being rhetorical rather than transformational,” he said. “You are being equipped not only as professionals but as ambassadors of change who will help entrench gender accountability across our national and regional systems.”
Other dignitaries at the opening included Mrs. Miatta Lilly French, ECOWAS Country Representative, and Madam Evelyn Edromah, Deputy Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), both of whom encouraged active participation and urged attendees to apply the knowledge to strengthen national reporting systems.
Participants were drawn from a diverse group of institutions including the National Assembly, Gambia Police, Red Cross, University of The Gambia, Ministry of Justice, Immigration Department, National Youth Council, WANEP, ROAJELF, African Commission for Human Rights and Security, and several others.
The course represents a significant step in advancing gender-responsive peacebuilding efforts across the continent, and aligns with the African Union’s aspiration for a peaceful, just, and inclusive Africa. Through initiatives like this, the KAIPTC continues to position itself as a strategic partner in strengthening capacities to implement the WPS Agenda effectively.