Gambia to Inaugurate Specialized GBV Court by Second Quarter of 2026

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President Adama Barrow



The Government of The Gambia has constructed a specialised court to handle gender-based violence (GBV) cases, with plans to inaugurate the facility in the second quarter of 2026, President Adama Barrow has announced.

The development, revealed during the 2026 State of the Nation Address held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, marks a significant step toward strengthening access to justice for survivors of GBV and addressing delays often associated with such cases in conventional courts.

According to the President, the establishment of the court underscores the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring the timely prosecution of GBV-related offences. Once operational, the court is expected to provide faster case handling, survivor-sensitive procedures, and improved coordination among justice actors.

“To prevent delays in administering justice regarding GBV, a specialised court has been built and is scheduled to be inaugurated in the second quarter of 2026,” President Barrow stated.

With this move, The Gambia becomes the sixth country in Africa to establish a court dedicated specifically to GBV cases, reflecting growing continental efforts to strengthen legal responses to violence against women and vulnerable groups.

Advocacy Efforts Behind the Initiative

The establishment of the specialised court has long been a key advocacy priority for the Network Against Gender Based Violence.

During an interview with this medium last year, the Network’s National Coordinator, Fallu Sowe, revealed that the organisation had been working closely with the government to push for the creation of a dedicated court to handle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.

He noted that the initiative aims to enhance access to justice for women and girls across The Gambia, particularly by addressing delays and barriers within the existing legal system.

Support for GBV Survivors

The court initiative complements ongoing government support to survivors through the Support to Victims of Gender-Based Violence Fund.
In December 2025 alone, 75 survivors received D40,000 each in financial assistance to help them recover and rebuild their lives.

Broader Social Protection Efforts

Beyond GBV response, the government continues to expand its social protection programmes. Through the Social Protection Fund, 5,400 vulnerable individuals—including persons with disabilities, the elderly, orphans, and widows—receive monthly cash transfers of D1,000 under the Family Strengthening Programme.

Additionally, over 29,000 households benefit from the NAFA-RISE Project, which provides D1,500 per month to improve food security and resilience among low-income families.

Strengthening Institutional Support

Efforts to reinforce social services are also underway. The University of The Gambia now offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, aimed at building a stronger professional workforce to respond to social challenges, including GBV.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has established a Child Rights Monitoring Unit to work with government and civil society organisations to protect children’s welfare and rights.

The construction of the specialised GBV court signals a major institutional shift in how The Gambia addresses gender-based violence—placing greater emphasis on speed, sensitivity, and justice for survivors, while reflecting years of sustained advocacy from civil society organisations.

Author: Nelson Manneh
PC: State House of the Gambia

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