IN a country grappling with a high incidence of gender-based violence, female lawyers in The Gambia have embraced the concept of a legal incubator that aims to empower them to support their communities.
Dr Fatou Baldeh, founder of the advocacy NGO Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), has teamed up with American lawyer and Fulbright Specialist Fred Rooney to create this pioneering initiative. The Gambia’s legal incubator is the first of its kind in Africa.
Rooney, who has successfully established similar incubators in the US, Dominican Republic, Bulgaria, Pakistan and Gaza, brings a wealth of experience to the project.
A welcome development for women’s rights
Dr Baldeh, recently recognised as a Time Magazine ‘Woman of the Year 2025’ for her advocacy for women’s health and reproductive rights, described the incubator as a much-needed platform. Speaking in Brusubi over the weekend, she said the initiative would enable WILL and participating lawyers to offer legal education and services across The Gambia.
‘There is a high incidence of gender-based violence in all communities across the country, including and especially in some parts of the Greater Banjul Area,’ Baldeh said.
‘WILL is ready and willing to help empower young lawyers who will give back to their communities through this legal incubator programme. We are very excited to work with Fred and all of you on this project.’
Building legal capacity for change
Fred Rooney explained that legal incubators are designed to train young lawyers not only in courtroom advocacy but also in how to run successful legal practices. His aim is to encourage these lawyers to offer pro bono or low-cost services to communities that need them most.
‘Discovering WILL’s important work on female empowerment made me reach out to Dr Baldeh,’ said Rooney. He confirmed that the Gambian legal incubator would operate in full compliance with national laws and professional regulations.
Addressing community challenges
At the launch event, young female lawyers voiced their concerns about rampant gender-based violence, crime and teenage delinquency in their communities. They expressed enthusiasm for the incubator, which they believe will offer vital support to law graduates transitioning from law school to legal practice.
‘Many young lawyers are disillusioned by the hurdles in the legal profession and are beginning to think that law is not for them,’ one participant said. ‘This incubator will motivate them and give them the tools they need to succeed.’
A home for the incubator
The Faculty of Law at the University of The Gambia has been identified as a potential home for the legal incubator. If established there, the programme is expected to serve as a beacon of hope for young lawyers across the country. (Africabriefing)
