Deadline: 02-Jun-2026
The UNICEF is inviting applications to support community-led action in The Gambia to prevent female genital mutilation (FGM) and strengthen child protection systems through structured engagement of grandmothers and fathers.
The programme uses communication for development and social norm change approaches to reduce gender-based violence and protect girls’ rights in high-prevalence communities.
Geographic Focus
The initiative is implemented in:
- North Bank Region (The Gambia)
- Central River Region (The Gambia)
- Lower River Region (The Gambia)
It targets communities where FGM remains highly prevalent and socially embedded.
Key Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Prevention of female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Child protection and safeguarding systems
- Gender-based violence prevention
- Social and behaviour change communication
- Community mobilisation and engagement
- Strengthening local protection structures
- Peer support and advocacy systems
Programme Approach
The initiative centres on mobilising key community influencers:
- Grandmothers as cultural and family decision influencers
- Fathers as household and protection decision-makers
Core mechanisms include:
- Formation of Grandmothers’ Clubs
- Formation of Fathers’ Clubs
- Community dialogue and peer learning spaces
- Behaviour change communication activities
- Local advocacy and protection action plans
Activities
The programme supports:
- Community-based training sessions
- Dialogue and sensitisation meetings
- Risk identification and referral mechanisms
- Development of community protection strategies
- Awareness and outreach campaigns
- Monitoring and reporting of behavioural change
- Development of sustainability and continuation plans
Club members are trained to:
- Identify risks of FGM
- Respond to family or community pressure
- Advocate for girls’ rights and protection
- Promote alternative positive social norms
Expected Results
By December 2026, the programme aims to achieve:
- Establishment of Grandmothers’ and Fathers’ Clubs in 100 communities
- Trained community members actively engaged in FGM prevention
- Strengthened community-based protection systems
- Improved awareness and behaviour change around FGM
- Functional coordination and monitoring systems
Key Deliverables
Projects are expected to produce:
- Implementation plans
- Training materials and toolkits
- Coordination framework documents
- Meeting and training reports
- Community outreach documentation
- Monitoring and evaluation reports
- Sustainability and scale-up plan
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative addresses:
- Deep-rooted gender inequality and harmful traditional practices
- Intergenerational influence on social norms
- Gaps in community-level child protection systems
- The need for sustained behaviour change beyond legal enforcement
How It Works
- Selection of implementing partners
- Formation of community clubs (grandmothers and fathers)
- Training and capacity building
- Community engagement and behaviour change activities
- Monitoring, reporting, and adaptation
- Development of sustainability plans
FAQ
- Who is implementing the programme?
- The programme is led by UNICEF.
- What is the main goal?
- To prevent FGM and strengthen child protection through community mobilisation.
- Where is it implemented?
- In North Bank, Central River, and Lower River regions of The Gambia.
- Who are the key participants?
- Grandmothers and fathers as primary community influencers.
- What is the expected outcome?
- Establishment of 100 community clubs and sustained behaviour change by 2026.
Conclusion
The UNICEF initiative in The Gambia strengthens child protection and prevents FGM by mobilising influential community members—grandmothers and fathers—to drive long-term social and behavioural change across high-prevalence regions.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.