The recent celebration of UNICEF’s 60th anniversary in The Gambia is more than a major organizational milestone. It’s a profound moment for us to ponder on the evolution and impact of Gambian child advocacy, a movement I was privileged to help build.
This anniversary highlights decades of dedication to the rights of the Gambian child, a commitment that parallels my own journey, which started right here on the home front.
The Legacy Project: Championing the Children’s Act 2005
My own journey in human rights advocacy began on a remarkable platform. I was honored to be the Gambian Child Representative to the Child Parliament of the World, and, later, the First Speaker of the Children’s Parliament of The Gambia, and an inaugural member of the Voice of the Young under the Child Protection Alliance (CPA).
One gathering that stays with me is the Second National Forum on Children, held at the Friendship Hotel from March 20–21, 2002, where I presented the Banjul municipality’s report, focusing on the theme ‘The Best Possible Start in Life for All Children.’ This report synthesized the burning issues and key recommendations that emerged from our regional consultations in Banjul. Read the full speech below!
These early roles instilled in me a deep commitment to social justice and the transformative power of youth voice. Alongside peers in the Voice of the Young under the Child Protection Alliance (CPA), we weren’t just token participants; we were driving change. My participation in regional meetings across Senegal, Mali, and other international platforms opened my eyes to the vast, interconnected network of child rights activists across the continent. My involvement in the national report as part of the UN Study on Violence against Children on Corporal Punishment ‘Beating the Misconceptions and not the children’ was a pivotal moment that solidified the conviction that effective, human rights-based advocacy must be driven by meticulous research and evidence. This exposure made one thing clear: the need for strong, localized legal protection was paramount.
Traveling to Dakar for the 2004 Pan-African Forum on child survival was a significant milestone in my activism journey. L-R: UNICEF Rep Cheryl Gregory Faye; Nenneh Macdaul; VP Njie Saidy; Cherno Jallow; Dr Satang Nabaneh; Jeggan Grey-Johnson; UNICEF head Carol Bellamy; Dr Gassama; Aunty Yandeh Njie.Â
Advocating for the Children’s Act 2005
The most pivotal chapter of that early advocacy was the sustained campaign for the Children’s Act 2005. It was a testament to the belief that children deserve a consolidated, comprehensive legal framework that mandates the best interest of the child as the primary consideration in all matters.
Advocating for this landmark legislation as a young person was challenging, yet profoundly empowering. It taught us the art of policy engagement, the necessity of research, and the resilience needed to push for systemic change against institutional inertia. The passage of the Act was a triumph, laying the essential legal foundation for child protection and development in our country.
The Ripple Effect: A Generation of Advocates
Today, as I think on that foundational work, I am struck by the incredible legacy of my generation of advocates. Looking back, the lasting impact of that early movement is visible across our society. So many initiatives back then, including The Gambia Red Cross Society (shout-out to the Banjul Branch), Lend A Hand Society, Play School The Gambia, and Young People in the Media, were incubators for leaders, alongside the leadership and mentorship of the CPA and the National Youth Council.
Across The Gambia and the world, my peers from those formative years are now lawyers, engineers, doctors, policy-makers, and activists, doing incredible work that embodies the spirit of the Children’s Act. The platforms we earned required deep personal sacrifice and relentless hard work, showing out with maturity and dedication far beyond our years. But these experiences, fueled by sheer passion and unwavering commitment, didn’t just give us a voice; they forged a lifelong, non-negotiable dedication to fighting for justice and accountability.
Looking Ahead
As we honor UNICEF’s six decades of partnership in advancing the health, education, and protection of Gambian children, let us carry the spirit of the young advocates who spoke truth to power.
The challenge now lies in ensuring the full implementation of the Children’s Act 2005, tackling emerging threats such as climate change and digital threats, and continuing to nurture the next generation of courageous young voices.
The journey continues: to speak up and speak out!
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