Introducing Female Lawyers Association (FLAG)
Friday 2nd March 2007

F.L.A.G. is an non-political, non-sectarian, nonpartisan, non-governmental and non - profit making Association made up of female members of the legal profession who in various ways aim to contribute to the development and realisation of the rights of women and children in The Gambia.

Although the membership of FLAG is limited to female members of the legal profession, the activities of FLAG is also dependent on the Male members of the legal profession, the stakeholders and the general public involved in the championing of this cause.

Female members of the legal profession in the Gambia have been engaged in various ways in ensuring in the observance and enforcement of the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and children in The Gambia, the promotion of gender equality and have forged relationships with other organisations resident within this Country and beyond.

It was therefore felt that these efforts needed to be institutionalised so that the activities of the members would continue and live on in a more structured manner.

As a result FLAG was formally registered in October of 2006.

VISION OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Organisation aims to procure changes to the laws of The Gambia for the protection and wellbeing of women and children in respect of the elimination of violence against them. freedom of expression and education thus enabling women’s potential for contribution to effective participation in the development process of the country.

This would compliment the efforts already being made by other NGOs, UNDP organisations such as UNICEF and UNIFEM and other bodies at the

OBJECTIVES

In line with our vision there are three main objectives:

®  to lobby for gender equality in The Gambia through legislative reform, public education and advocacy;

®  to enhance and promote the welfare and legal status of women and children.

®  to promote the principles and aims of the United Nations, the African Union in respect of women and children.

To realize these objects the Association will pursue the following activities:

(a)            Research into legal issues affecting women and children;

(b)            Advocate for legislation aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and children:

(c)            Offer legal advice by way of outreach mobile legal aid clinics and where possible provide representation in court for women and children;

(d)            Provide an open forum for discussion of all matters affecting women and children.

(e)            Lobby for amendment of laws that are not gender sensitive and actively seek legislation which advance women’s status and protect the rights of women and children:

(f) Establish network and linkages with organizations and groups for the advancement of women.

ORGANISATION AND FUNCTIONS

The General Body comprises of all members of the Association and is the policy making body of the Association.

The Executive Committee:

This committee is responsible for implementing me policies of the Association and the day to day management of Association.

Subcommittees:

(a)            The legal Services Committee

(b)            The Welfare Committee

(c)            The Fundraising Committee

(d)            The Conventions Committee

(e)  The publications Committee

These committees are made up of current members and chaired by executive members

PRESENT OFFICERS from registration to date

 President - Janet Sallah-Njie

Vice President - Hawa Sisay-Sabally

Secretary - loubna Farage

Treasurer - Ida Nying

Assistant Secretary - Amie Joof-Conteh

Social Secretary - Aminata Jawara

Senior Representative - Mariam Denton

Junior Representative - Sainabou Wadda Cisse

 Co-opted Member - Merley Wood

The Association also has affiliations with other Organisations within and outside The Gambia with whom signing of agreements, joint actions and projects are being envisaged in furtherance of our aims as detailed above.