In a small, quiet room in the heart of the Senegambia area, twenty-six women gathered for a transformative training session under the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP). For many of them, the training represented a new beginning—an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain essential tools to change not only their lives but also the lives of those around them. Among the participants was X (not her real name), a woman whose story echoed the painful reality of many in the tourism sector's shadows.

X, who had been working as a sex worker for years to provide for her children and family, had long experienced the harshest parts of life—being harassed by law enforcement, discriminated against by society, and exposed to sexual violence. She had no idea where to turn when things went wrong. But the three-day training, focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH), changed that.
"I’ve been in this life for a long time, and I thought I knew everything about survival. But what this training has given me is something more powerful—knowledge," X said with a deep sense of gratitude. "I’ve learned that I have rights, that I’m not invisible, and that there are people who care about my well-being."

The training, which was part of the TDRGP, aimed to equip sex workers in the tourism sector with the knowledge and skills to identify, respond to, and protect themselves against instances of gender-based violence and exploitation. This initiative, funded by the World Bank, not only focused on legal protections but also on creating a supportive environment where sex workers could report violations related to the project.

For X, the realization that she could take control of her life was empowering. The sessions, which included group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and interactive videos, helped her understand the broader context of GBV and SEA/SH, while also teaching practical strategies for personal safety. She reflected on the fact that before the training, she had never even considered how her experiences might be linked to larger societal issues.

"I’ve seen so many of us suffer—some of my friends have even lost their lives to this work. Some of us are being trafficked, while others face violence every day," X explained, her voice steady but with a hint of pain. "But now, I understand that what happens to us is not just about us. It’s about systems of power, discrimination, and exploitation."

Throughout the three days, X and her peers gained vital insights, learning how to recognize warning signs of abuse, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of peer support. They also learned about the available grievance mechanisms within the TDRGP and how to access help when needed. X spoke about how she felt seen and heard for the first time in years, and she expressed an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity.

"I never thought that something like this would happen to people like me. I thought we were forgotten. But the training showed me that we have a voice, and we can stand up for ourselves and others," she said.
On the final day of the training, X shared a powerful reflection with the group. "I was ashamed to speak out about my experiences. But now, I know that shame belongs to those who abuse us, not us who have been hurt. I will speak up, and I will teach others to speak up too."

The training’s impact was not just theoretical; it was deeply personal for many of the participants. X and others left the sessions with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to protect themselves and others. They understood the legal rights that were available to them, including the GBV hotline 1313 and the TDRGP’s toll-free line 1031. These resources were no longer abstract ideas—they were lifelines.

Yet, despite the profound benefits the training offered, X did not ignore the practical challenges faced by herself and her peers. "We appreciate everything we’ve learned, but we still need support. A small transport refund won’t pay my bills or put food on the table," X said. "I hope the project can do more for us—perhaps offering medical cards or other opportunities to help us build new lives."

Her thoughts echoed the voices of others in the group, many of whom expressed the desire for greater economic opportunities and assistance in accessing healthcare. But even with these challenges, X felt hopeful. The training had given her not just knowledge, but a new sense of agency, a feeling that for the first time, she was not alone.

"This training is a gift," she said. "It’s a chance for us to have dignity and to stand tall. I will take this knowledge back home, and I will use it to help my children, my friends, and even strangers who are suffering like I did."

X’s journey, much like the journeys of many women in similar circumstances, is far from over. But the TDRGP has given her a foundation—one built on knowledge, rights, and resilience. The road ahead may still be difficult, but for X, this training was the first step toward a brighter future, one where she no longer feels invisible.

As the TDRGP continues its work, it reminds us that no one should be left behind. Empowering individuals like X to recognize their worth and access the resources available to them is not just about policy change—it's about changing lives and offering the hope of a more dignified future.