The Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Team of the Tourism Diversification & Resilience in The Gambia Project, along with ESS Teams from other World Bank-financed operations, participated in a two-day capacity-building training on managing risks of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH). The training, held on September 2-3, 2024, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, aimed to enhance the teams' ability to manage SEA/SH risks in World Bank financed operations.

Participants engaged in critical discussions on topics such as the importance of addressing SEA/SH in World Bank operations, survivor-centered approaches to risk management, and effective response strategies to incidents. World Bank experts led the sessions, providing participants with valuable insights and practical tools for implementing robust safeguard mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the event, the World Bank Country Representative expressed his enthusiasm for meeting the project teams and his dedication to Environmental and Social Standards . “I am delighted to see the strong commitment of our ESS teams in The Gambia. Safeguarding is not just a responsibility, but a passion of mine. It is critical to the success and integrity of all our projects. The safety and well-being of communities must always be at the forefront of our operations,” he stated.

This training marks a significant milestone in ensuring that the Tourism Diversification & Resilience Project, alongside other World Bank projects in The Gambia, continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all stakeholders. The World Bank and The Gambia Government remain committed to a zero-tolerance approach to SEA/SH in all operations, ensuring that every project upholds the highest standards of protection and integrity.