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Women leaders, young girls and development advocates from across The Gambia, as well as delegates from Liberia and Sierra Leone, gathered in Banjul this week for the 2026 National Girls Summit and National Women and Girls Awards.
The two-day event, organised by Treasure Girls Initiative Africa and held at Penchami Hall on October 29 and 30, focused on leadership, empowerment, advocacy, and the recognition of women and girls making an impact in their communities.
The National Girls Summit brought together girls and young women to discuss leadership, personal development and issues affecting their lives, while also providing opportunities for networking and mentorship.
According to the organisers, the summit reinforced the message that girls should be viewed not only as beneficiaries of development programmes but as “active participants, decision-makers and future leaders”.
The National Women and Girls Awards, held on the second day, recognised women and girls for achievements in fields including leadership, entrepreneurship, education, activism, innovation, community development, environmental protection, health, law, media and public service.
The event also featured participation from delegates from Liberia and Sierra Leone, with organisers saying the presence of regional representatives highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing the interests of women and girls across Africa.
Treasure Girls Initiative Africa said the programme reflects the vision of its founder and executive director, Fanta Ceesay, whose work focuses on creating opportunities for girls and women through advocacy, leadership development and community engagement.
In a statement, the organisation said the annual summit and awards form part of a wider effort to strengthen the voices of girls, promote leadership and celebrate the contributions of women.
“We are not just organising events; we are building a movement, creating opportunities and changing lives,” the organisation said.
Treasure Girls Initiative Africa is a women and girls-focused organisation that promotes empowerment, leadership, advocacy and development through capacity-building programmes, community engagement initiatives and recognition platforms designed to expand opportunities for women and girls across Africa.
