The International Open University (IOU) was honored to have been extended an invitation to attend a 2-day training titled "Justice in Action: Engaging Young Girls in Women’s Rights Advocacy," organized by the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) in Banjul, on 20 and 21 August 2025. The training was meant to attract women law students who have an interest in Gender and Law to hone their skills in Women’s Rights Advocacy. The initiative is part of “The Waging Justice for Women” program, supported by the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

The program was opened by Mr Musa Kika, Executive Director, IHRDA.

The first speaker for day one was Ms. Awa Gai, Waging Justice for Women fellow, IHRDA, and coordinator of this initiative who gave a synopsis of national, regional and international instruments on women’s rights.

This was followed by Mr Abdulmalik Bello, Legal Officer, IHRDA, who focused on how to litigate for women’s rights in regional mechanisms.

Day 2 featured Ms. Maria Saine, Advocacy Officer, IHRDA on how to effectively advocate for women’s rights.
The final speaker for the program was Ms. Neneh MC Cham, renowned Legal Practitioner and President of the Gambia Bar Association. Ms. Cham’s discussion was centered on career pathways in law and exploring public interest litigation. She further took us through the numerous cases she has dealt with on this issue, her experience as a women’s rights advocate and key traits which make a good advocate.

The last item on the agenda to mark the closing of the event, was the presentation of certificates to the participants.