First Ladies from across West and Central Africa have called for urgent action to end gender-based violence (GBV), following a high-level meeting in Banjul, The Gambia.

The forum, held under the Sub-Saharan Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus programme, brought together regional leaders and partners to push for stronger protection of women and girls.

Leaders from The Gambia, Senegal and other participating countries signed a joint declaration committing to “zero tolerance” for GBV.

They also backed a regional roadmap aimed at improving laws, co-ordination and support for survivors.

Participants stressed that ending GBV will require sustained political will, stronger partnerships and real action on the ground.

–ChannelAfrica/ECOWAS–