Twenty female officers from The Gambia Police Force (GPF) have successfully completed a yearlong training under the Gender Promotion Initiative, a program funded by the European Union and organized by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). This initiative aims to strengthen leadership skills and operational capacities among female officers in the GPF, promoting gender equality and preparing women for senior roles within the force.
At the closing event, Ken Isaac, head of DCAF’s Banjul office, highlighted the program’s goal to empower female officers in areas such as policy development, interpersonal skills, motivation, leadership exercises, and mentoring. He shared that 15 officers had already been promoted through the initiative and expressed optimism for further growth, announcing a forthcoming certification ceremony in coordination with senior GPF management.
Isaac praised the officers’ dedication, noting their impressive performance with an average exam score of 89% and one officer, ASP Binta Njie, achieving a perfect 100%.
Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police, emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the GPF’s commitment to inclusivity through gender mainstreaming. He encouraged the participants to apply the skills and insights gained from the training, which he described as foundational for positive change within the GPF and the broader community. Bah urged the female officers to serve as role models, challenging stereotypes and fostering an environment that values diversity.
Bill Priestley, an international consultant, and Amie Nyassi, Banjul’s Police Commissioner, also encouraged the participants to become advocates for gender equality and to apply their newfound expertise to advance the cause within The Gambia and beyond.
