Strengthening Digital Rights for Rural Women and Girls in The Gambia

• Between September 2025 and March 2026, the non-profit Jokkolabs Banjul trained 400 women and girls across four Gambian regions in digital literacy and rights.
• Training covered online safety, privacy, data protection, digital gender-based violence prevention, and responsible media use.
• The initiative established a sustainable grassroots support system through community radio training and local peer mentorship networks.

Program Approach

• Practical Application: Sessions focused on using digital tools for real-world needs, including WhatsApp for business, mobile banking, and accessing agricultural or government services.
• Culturally Adapted Delivery: Training featured local language tutorials, culturally relevant examples, and extensive hands-on practice tailored to regional requirements.
• Media & Mentorship: 40 community broadcasters were trained in gender-sensitive, ethical journalism to combat misinformation; 80 women were trained as peer mentors to lead ongoing local learning circles.

Impact and Results

• Enhanced Agency: Participants gained the digital literacy necessary to improve their livelihoods, manage small businesses, and engage in civic discussions.
• Shifting Norms: Increased digital confidence enabled women to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for their rights, fostering more gender-equitable community norms.
• Social Resilience: By bridging gaps in civic participation, the program strengthened the ability of rural women to contribute to local economic and social development.

Challenges and Future Recommendations

• Infrastructure Barriers: Reliable internet connectivity, high data costs, and unstable electricity hindered training effectiveness.
• Scaling Strategy: Future projects should prioritize establishing community digital centers with shared devices and power, alongside extended multi-month follow-up sessions.
• Community Engagement: Integrating male participants and formal partnerships with government ministries could help address systemic social barriers and ensure long-term sustainability.