Rohey Malick Lowe Hosts Major REFELA Africa Conference in The Gambia

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

The National Conference of the Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa (Réseau des Femmes Élues Locales d’Afrique, REFELA) is currently underway in Bijilo, The Gambia, bringing together women leaders, policymakers and international partners for a major continental dialogue on women’s leadership.

Under the leadership of Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of the Banjul City Council and President of REFELA Africa, the conference has drawn participants from across the continent and beyond.

The gathering serves as a platform for promoting women’s leadership and governance across Africa under the theme “Accelerating Representation, Safeguarding, and Strengthening Women’s Rights.” Discussions are focused on expanding women’s participation in public office, strengthening protections for women in leadership, and encouraging greater representation of women in decision-making roles at the local government level.

Notable attendees include Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice-President of The Gambia, and Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and Nigerian presidential candidate, alongside mayors and chairpersons from Africa and other regions.

The conference highlights The Gambia’s role in hosting an important continental forum on women’s leadership while also reflecting Mayor Lowe’s growing influence within REFELA and the broader movement advocating stronger representation of women in governance across Africa.