Our Initiatives

The Gambia has in place several laws that largely protect sexual and reproductive health rights. That notwithstanding, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are challenging for most girls, boys, women, and men due to structural barriers. The prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence remains high largely because of the weak law enforcement and justice delivery system. The demand for SRH services far outpaces the number and quality of facilities and services available. Access to these services is further hampered by cost and deep-seated sociocultural beliefs and practices that prevent individuals from seeking them. There is widespread misconception, misinformation, and resistance against family planning while total rejection of abortion on religious grounds and misconceptions is strong.
Due to these limitations, boys, girls, women, and men are denied goods and services that would have ensured their mental and physical wellbeing. They are denied information with which to empower themselves in deciding issues about their body and good health. Consequently, the incidence of teenage pregnancy, illegal abortion, female genital mutilation, reproductive cancers, forced and child marriages, and maternal and infant mortality are but few SRH cases that continue to be widespread and bringing lot of pain and misery to many people. Sexual and reproductive health are at the core of health services and wellbeing which are fundamental human rights. However, the incidence of stigma and discrimination rooted in and aggravated by patriarchal and misconceived religious ideas, and ignorance have served to entrench abuse and denial. The unequal power relationships in favour of boys and men and against girls and women emanating from social, economic, and political systems and structures have served to normalise and entrench the disempowerment, exclusion, and violence against women.
In addition to SRH-related domestic laws, The Gambia is also a signatory to several relevant regional and international instruments that guarantee sexual and reproductive rights and services. These instruments impose an obligation on the Government to respect, protect and fulfil these rights. The country has registered great strides in terms of creating the necessary institutions and facilities to enable individuals to enjoy SRH rights and services. Huge amounts of resources continue to be injected into the health system as well as in the law and justice institutions to further protect SRH rights and deliver quality SRH services.
While appreciating the efforts of Government and other stakeholders, Think Young Women, through its feminist movement building efforts convenes the Sexual and Reproductive Rights Network (SRR-Net), an initiative born out of the realisation that the vast majority of Gambians, more so girls and women, continue to face dire conditions about their SRH. Far too many lack information, while many more cannot access or afford services.
It is a national network of CSOs on sexual and reproductive health and rights, with focus on advocacy, capacity building and awareness creation. SRR-Net is committed to the promotion and protection of SRH rights and services. As a dedicated and committed group of girls and young women, the Network came about as a matter of necessity and duty to take a determined and professional approach to addressing SRH issues in the Gambia. SRR-Net recognises a host of opportunities offered in the laws, institutions, organisations, and society that we intend to tap and optimise in advocating for the physical and mental well being of all. As a Network, it is our view that by protecting and fulfilling rights and services for SRH, we would significantly boost the overall health and strength of the country in all aspects.
The establishment of SRR-Net is a culmination of the recognition that SRH is at the core of the social, economic, and political systems of any society; and that the ability of individuals to make choices about their bodies and health and the level and quality of service they can access and enjoy reflects the level of equality and justice in a particular society.