The Gambia has one of the fastest urbanization rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than two-thirds of the country’s population currently living in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA).
To address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges that arise from this situation, UNOPS is supporting The Gambia’s government to develop a strategic urban plan, through the Greater Banjul 2040 project. The initiative, will drive urban development and improve services while promoting climate resilience, economic growth and social inclusion.
To capture and include women’s needs and ideas in the future urban plan, UNOPS Gambia is collaborating with Cities Alliance on a women-focused participatory process for the Greater Banjul Area.
The Inclusive Greater Banjul Report shows that women bring a totally different set of experiences into the urban conversation. During the process, women talked about collaboration and co-creation as ways of making cities, diversity in local leadership, non-driving modes of transport, safe and clean public toilet, ploughed sidewalks, and shared care work. They talked about a city where barriers – social and physical – are dismantled, where everyone is welcomed and included. We hope that this report can inspire policymakers and local organizations to work together on improving women’s wellbeing in Banjul.
