By: Fatou Krubally
In a spirited fusion of learning and competition, police officers from across The Gambia gathered on Wednesday, 30 April, for a groundbreaking board game tournament designed to sharpen their knowledge on child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The event, held under the “Play to Empower” initiative, was part of the activities of a project that has been building the capacity of the Gambia Police Force. Funded by the German Cooperation GIZ, co-funded by the European Union EU, the project is implemented by Girls’ Pride Gambia in partnership with the Gambia Police Force Female Network.
Twenty officers, representing five police units including the Interior Academy, Garrison, Schools Unit, and Police Intervention Unit (PIU), competed in a specially designed board game that tested their knowledge of gender laws and community protection strategies. The competition blended interactive learning with critical thinking, offering a unique way to reinforce legal knowledge.
“After an hour in a classroom, people may forget. But in a game-based approach, they often remember longer,” said Teresa, communication and gender advisor at a German corporation. “We believe this method helps officers not only learn the law but also how to apply it with empathy.”
Judge Nfamara Sanyany explained that officers moved along the board by answering scenario-based questions. Correct answers earned points and strategic moves, while negative squares could send them backward, a metaphor for the challenges of real-world policing.
Sub-Inspector Haddy Bah and Sergeant Ramatoulie Bah, both participants, said the FUNE game opened their eyes to practical ways of handling gender-based cases. “You might think it’s just a game,” said Haddy, “but it’s very educational. It helps us to understand and act more effectively.”
Mariama Jeng, executive member of the Police Female Network, noted that the initiative supports continuous learning. “Before enforcing laws, officers must know them well,” she said. “This training prepares us for real situations at work and in our communities.”
Inspector Omar Comma, who came out first in the final round, said the win was a collective victory for police reform. “This is about more than just winning. It’s about building a better force.”
With support from Girls’ Pride and its donors, officers are not only playing games, but they’re also playing a vital role in protecting vulnerable groups and enforcing justice across The Gambia.