Throughout July 2026, IHRDA in partnership with the Clooney Foundation for Justice engaged students and aspiring legal professionals in The Gambia through a series of awareness and practical learning initiatives aimed at addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). By combining public education with experiential legal training, the initiatives equipped young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to promote safer and more inclusive digital spaces while advancing the protection of women’s and girls’ rights.

On 3 July 2026, Waging Justice for Women (WJW) Fellow, Abigail Nthuba, together with IHRDA Legal Intern Darlene Uzoigwe, conducted an awareness session on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for students at The Gambia Methodist Academy.

The interactive session encouraged students to examine the growing impact of technology-facilitated violence on the rights, safety, and freedoms of women and girls. Through engaging discussions, participants reflected on the importance of digital spaces for education, communication, economic empowerment, and civic participation, while recognising the challenges posed by online harassment, abuse, and other forms of digital violence.

The discussions highlighted that technology-facilitated gender-based violence is more than an online safety concern—it is a human rights issue that affects equality, dignity, participation, and access to opportunities in an increasingly digital world. Students also explored the importance of robust legal frameworks, effective implementation of laws, public awareness, and collective action in creating safer and more inclusive online spaces for women and girls.

Through initiatives such as these, IHRDA continues to strengthen awareness among young people, equipping them with the knowledge to recognise, challenge, and respond to emerging human rights issues while promoting a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all.

On 16 July 2026, IHRDA partnered with the University of The Gambia’s Faculty of Law to host a moot court exercise bringing together young women law students to examine the emerging issue of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

“For many women and girls, this is already happening. No government tells them to leave digital spaces, but fear often does. Women censor themselves, avoid speaking on controversial issues, withdraw from online discussions, or leave platforms altogether because they do not feel safe. That is precisely why conversations about TFGBV violence matter.” Abigail Nthumba – IHRDA, Waging for Justice for Women Fellow

Participants argued a simulated human rights case. Throughout the exercise, they presented persuasive legal arguments, responded to rigorous questions from the panel, and demonstrated remarkable confidence, analytical ability, and advocacy skills.

The proceedings were assessed by an expert panel comprising Ida Persson, Special Adviser on Transitional Justice in The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice; Louisa Ntaji, IHRDA Legal Officer; and Ngenarr-Yassin Jeng, legal expert. Their incisive questions challenged participants to think critically, defend their legal positions, and apply human rights principles under pressure. 

The exercise reaffirmed the importance of practical legal education in equipping the next generation of advocates to address evolving human rights challenges in the digital age.