In the realm of local governance, Jainaba Jobe, an elected councilor for Kunkujang Ward in Kombo North District, West Coast Region of The Gambia, stands ready to serve her constituent. She is among 17 women who secured seats out of the 58 nominated, amidst 327 candidates vying for 120 ward positions in the country.

Following the councilorship elections in April 2023, a pressing need emerged for capacity building to bolster service delivery amidst rapid societal changes. Recognizing this, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with support from the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, embarked on training councilors on operations and resource mobilization techniques. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of local government authorities.

Local councils serve as pivotal entities in governance, directly shaping the lives of individuals within their realms. The policies governing these councils play a crucial role in ensuring equitable resource distribution and fostering inclusive decision-making processes. Councilors, as catalysts for change, bear the responsibility of translating these policies into actionable initiatives that uplift their communities.

The training program has made a significant impact on councilors, particularly those newly elected, enabling them to swiftly adapt to their roles and fulfill their duties in alignment with relevant policies.

Jainaba Jobe expressed gratitude for the timely training, stating that it equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve her constituents effectively. Through the training, she established relevant structures at the ward level and collaborated with existing bodies, such as the Ward Development Committees, to spearhead development projects.

Similarly, Hon. Abubacarr Danjo, Vice Chairman of Basse Area Council and councilor for Sare Ngai Ward in Wuli East District, Upper River Region, faced the challenge of uniting a constituency comprising diverse ethnic groups with conflicting interests. Attending the training proved transformative for him.

During the sessions, Hon. Danjo learned about the significance of inclusivity and the power of dialogue. Engaging with councilors from diverse backgrounds, he realized their shared goal of serving their communities and fostering a better future.

Armed with this understanding, Hon. Danjo returned with a determination to bridge divides. He organized community dialogues, inviting diverse representation to address development concerns and aspirations. Through collaborative projects, he fostered teamwork and pride among residents, setting an example for other councilors to create harmonious communities.

Through initiatives like this, empowered councilors like Jainaba Jobe and Hon. Abubacarr Danjo are driving positive change and advancing effective governance in their communities.