The year 2023/24 has been a transformative period for Girls Talk Organisation, marked by significant milestones and impactful initiatives that have furthered our mission to empower girls and young women across The Gambia. From launching new projects to securing critical funding and receiving national recognition, this year has been one of growth, resilience, and collaboration.
Empowering Girls Through Holistic Mentorship
At Girls Talk, we believe that mentorship is vital to creating lasting change. Over the year, we continued to offer mentorship sessions that brought together our mentees from diverse communities and households across The Gambia. We view these gatherings as essential to fostering their development and guiding them toward success. Our first significant reflection session in January 2023 was a pivotal moment for our mentees. As they embarked on a new year, we used this session to discuss their goals, challenges, and aspirations. It wasn’t just a check-in; it was an opportunity to realign and ensure that every girl had the support she needed to thrive academically, personally, and socially. We also engaged with their families when necessary, offering targeted interventions to address challenges in their home environments. This holistic approach reinforced the mentees’ personal growth while strengthening their family support systems.
In October, we celebrated International Girls Day with a special mentorship session at the beach. This gathering provided a unique opportunity for our mentees to connect with one another in a relaxed, inspiring environment. The day was filled with reflective discussions, team-building activities, and moments of joy, fostering a sense of sisterhood and empowerment. Recognizing the importance of consistent support, we also engaged with our mentees virtually throughout the year. These interactions allowed us to provide timely guidance, answer questions, and offer personalized support tailored to their unique needs. Whether it was academic advice, emotional support, or navigating life challenges, we were just a message away.
Combating Period Poverty: Menstrual Hygiene Programs
One of our flagship initiatives this year was continuing our work in tackling the issue of
period poverty. We believe that no girl should miss out on opportunities due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. In July 2023, we partnered with Girls Pride to distribute reusable sanitary pads to girls at Bunduck Basic Cycle School in Nianija District, CRR-North. This initiative also included an extensive menstrual hygiene education program, which taught girls how to manage their periods safely and hygienically. The impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. Many girls in rural areas miss school during their menstrual cycle due to the stigma and lack of access to hygiene products. By providing these essential resources, we not only supported their health but also contributed to keeping them in school. Through this collaboration, we successfully increased the number of girls receiving reusable menstrual hygiene products from Girls Talk through our Self Love Kits Initiative from 400 to 500. This expansion signifies a significant step forward in our fight to end period poverty and ensure that all girls can attend school with confidence and dignity.
Project Leadify: Empowering Girls in Political Participation
One of our most notable achievements this year was the successful implementation of Project Leadify, a ground-breaking initiative supported by Freedom House and USAID under the Promoting Rights and Justice in The Gambia Project. Running from November 2023 to June 2024, this project aimed to increase the participation of girls and young women in governance and political decision-making processes.
Key milestones included:
Political Leadership Bootcamp (November 2023): Twenty girls participated in an intensive two-day bootcamp designed to enhance their political awareness and leadership skills.
National Assembly Tour and Policy Reflection Forum (June 2024): Participants engaged directly with policymakers, observed legislative processes, and shared their perspectives on critical issues like FGM and other harmful traditional practices.
This initiative laid the groundwork for a future generation of women leaders committed to driving transformative change.
Advocacy for the Anti-FGM Law
Throughout 2023/24, Girls Talk Organisation has been an active CSO Coalition Against
FGM member, advocating to uphold the Anti-FGM Law in The Gambia. In response to
threats to repeal this critical law, we intensified our advocacy efforts, both online and offline.
We participated in numerous strategy meetings aimed at developing advocacy plans and
engaged key stakeholders to reinforce the importance of keeping the law intact.
Our digital platforms also played a key role in raising awareness about FGM, as we urged
communities to organise and use their voices to oppose the Women’s Amendment Bill 2024,
which was tabled at the National Assembly. Our goal was to ensure that the general populace understood the devastating impact of FGM and the importance of advocating for its eradication.
In addition, we conducted several engagement sessions with our mentees, educating them
about the risks of FGM and building their capacity to speak out against it. These young
women have become grassroots advocates, sharing what they’ve learned with their peers and communities, helping to create a ripple effect of awareness and resistance to harmful
traditional practices.
Engaging Communities: Intergenerational Dialogues in Wassu and Janjanbureh
In our commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, Girls Talk successfully conducted intergenerational dialogues in Wassu and Janjanbureh with funding from UNICEF through The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations - TANGO, reaching over 100 community members, including parents, young people, religious leaders, teachers, lawmakers, and police officers. These sessions provided a platform for open discussions on FGM and Child Marriage. The diverse perspectives shared during these sessions emphasized the importance of collective action in fostering gender equality. By engaging key stakeholders, we strengthened community understanding and commitment to addressing challenges that hinder girls’ empowerment.
Launch of The Boys Circle
This year, we partnered with Men For Equality to launch The Boys Circle, a strengths-based group approach designed to foster belonging and self-awareness while empowering boys to deconstruct harmful narratives about masculinity.
The first session, held on December 21, 2024, focused on exploring the "boy code" by unpacking societal expectations of boys. Participants explored what it means to be a “boy” in today’s world, reflecting on their experiences with stereotypes. They gained an initial understanding of how the "boy code" influences their behaviours and relationships. Over the course of bi-monthly group sessions, 15 boys and young men aged 18 to 24 will explore positive, diverse expressions of masculinity, learn about emotional health, and develop leadership skills. Each session provides a safe space where participants critically assess traditional notions of manhood, engage in peer support, and become respectful leaders and allies within their communities.
Digital Advocacy and Outreach
Our commitment to advocacy extends beyond in-person events. In an increasingly digital
world, we recognise the power of online platforms to reach and influence broader audiences. Throughout the year, Girls Talk Organisation maintained a solid online presence, using our platforms as educational spaces. We consistently shared content on critical issues such as girls' education, equal rights, and the dangers of harmful traditional practices like FGM and child marriage. By leveraging digital tools, we have expanded the reach of our advocacy work, engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographic regions. This online advocacy complements our in-person efforts, ensuring our message resonates far and wide, empowering girls and educating the general public on the importance of gender equality and human rights.
National Recognition: She Awards Nomination
Finally, we are honored to share that Girls Talk Organisation was nominated for the Women-Led Organisation of the Year Award by the prestigious She Awards. She Awards Gambia is a nonprofit organization that hosts the largest women's awards event in The Gambia. The event celebrates women in all fields of life, and aims to inspire girls and shape their future through role models. This recognition underscores the impact of our work and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in advocating for gender equality and empowering girls across The Gambia.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, we are excited about the road ahead:
Final Activities for the UNICEF-Funded Project: We will engage 150 girls in CRR North and South in critical discussions on FGM and child marriage.
The Boys Circle: Bi-monthly sessions will continue, focusing on fostering positive masculinity and empowering boys as respectful leaders and allies.
We are also committed to continuing our engagement with our mentees, offering them ongoing support and guidance throughout the year. Additionally, we look forward to further strengthening our partnerships and collaborating with other organizations to expand our reach and amplify our collective impact.
Conclusion
The past year has been a testament to the resilience, growth, and collective impact of Girls Talk Organisation. Through mentorship, advocacy, and transformative programs, we have strengthened our commitment to empowering girls and young women while fostering positive change in our communities. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a world where every girl can realize her full potential.
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