Shape International

Upper River Region, The Gambia – The Gambia Federation of the Disabled, in collaboration with Child Fund The Gambia and with funding from UNFPA, has successfully conducted a five-day intensive skills training for Women With Disabilities in the Upper River Region. The training focused on Tie and Dye, Batik, and Business Management, equipping participants with valuable skills to enhance their economic independence. This initiative stems from the recognition that Women With Disabilities in The Gambia face multiple forms of discrimination, particularly in employment opportunities. Many are often marginalized and excluded from the workforce due to their disabilities. In response, the federation, in partnership with UNICEF, engaged a consultant to conduct a needs assessment to identify the interests and aspirations of Women With Disabilities in the region. The assessment revealed that participants were keen on learning income-generating skills such as soap-making, Omo production, Tie and D...

To enhance effective coordination and administration of promotion of disability activities- The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) organized capacity building training on Governance, Leadership skills and financial management. The event held from 10 and 11 January 2025, at the Fatou Mbye Memorial Hall at the Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) in Kanifing, brought together GFD administrative staff, board members, and heads of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) The training was financed by Government the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NAC - PWDs) and featured two delegates from each of the 19 OPDs affiliated with GFD, drawn from various regions across The Gambia. The workshop included sessions on governance, leadership skills, financial management, and the introduction of the GFD Work Plan 2025. OPDs were tasked with submitting their action plans to enable the GFD to advocate effectively on their behalf. Participants also m...