By: Fatou Krubally
The Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) Project is set to launch on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in The Gambia, with an ambitious goal of transforming the lives of adolescent girls and young women.
Announcing the official launch, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare explains that the initiative, supported by the World Bank and technically coordinated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aims to empower girls aged 15 to 24 by improving access to quality reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health services while addressing sexual and gender-based violence.
As a flagship regional programme, SWEDD+ seeks to accelerate the empowerment of young females, advance gender equality, and strengthen social protection systems across West Africa and the Sahel.
A key feature of the project is the establishment of safe spaces where girls can receive information, mentorship, and psychosocial support, enabling them to build self-esteem and make informed decisions.
Another important component is the Small Grant Scheme, targeting girls and young women from vulnerable households. This initiative, according to the ministry will provide financial assistance to keep them in school or support vocational and entrepreneurial training, equipping them with the skills and independence needed to break the cycle of poverty and dependence.
The project also aims to support efforts to keep girls in school while ensuring that those who leave due to early pregnancy or marriage have opportunities to re-enter the education system.
Implementation will be led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare in collaboration with key sectoral ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, and community-based actors.
Officials say the SWEDD+ Project is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of girls and young women in The Gambia and across the Sahel region.
