In The Gambia, opinion leaders such as religious leaders, traditional leaders including chiefs known as the Seyfos and village heads known as the Alkalolu are community gate keepers. These individuals are collectively known as ‘Kandas’ and influence perceptions and public acceptance or condemnation of various social issues.

As part of activities under the ‘I am for Zero’ campaign by UNFPA The Gambia and its partners, ‘Kandas’ in the Basse area of the Upper River Region were engaged in an advocacy discussion on strengthening efforts to realise sexual and reproductive health for all especially women in their communities, promote the uptake of family planning services and the need for community action to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices.

Speaking at one of the engagements held in Basse Koba Kunda nearly 400 kilometers form the Capital City Banjul, Alhajie Hameh Minteh Krubally, Chief of Fuladu East highlighted the need for men to champion the cause to end GBV and harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage.

"Men have been seen to lead the perpetration of violence and abuse against women in their communities and it is high time this changed" he added.

He went on to emphasise that when communities are free of violence, an ideal environment is created for the promotion of fundamental human rights including the realisation of sexual and reproductive health. He called on his fellow opinion leaders to engage their communities on eradicating violence and encouraged men to be supportive of their spouses and the women in their communities who seek sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Aja Fatou Danso, Alkalo of Basse Kabakama is one of the only ten women Alkalolu (village heads) in The Gambia. Speaking to her fellow ‘Kandas’ during the discussion, she highlighted that the health and wellbeing of women in any society determines the health, economy and peace of its people and communities.

UNFPA The Gambia’s Programme Analyst – Adolescents and Youth, Lamin Camara mentioned that in order for UNFPA to achieve its mandate to ensure that no woman dies of preventable causes while giving life, every one everywhere has access to Family Planning information and commodities and GBV is eradicated in Gambian communities, strong male involvement is required.

Within the context of Covid-19 and the emergence of vaccines, the campaign is also strengthening risk communication and community engagement efforts to dispel myths, misconceptions and misinformation around the uptake of vaccines and encourage community residents to be vaccinated.

The ‘I am for Zero’ campaign is a 12-day engagement which seeks to promote the realisation of sexual and reproductive health for all especially women, youth and adolescents and addressing Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices by involving men and boys. Activities under the campaign target hard-to-reach communities in the Central River Region - North, the Baddibus in the North Bank Region and the Wuli and Fatoto area in the URR and are part of the agency’s efforts to promote public information and call for action to support the realisation of the three transformative results in The Gambia.

Media contact:

Haddy Jonga - Programme Analyst Communications, UNFPA The Gambia jonga@unfpa.org