This week, we began our community engagements to support @TRRC_Gambia to obtain more statements from women in rural communities.

Over the next few days, our teams will meet community members, provide information on the role of the TRRC and get statements. @ATJLF_

#TJ4Women220 https://twitter.com/thinkyoungwomen/status/1309876310320320515

Our first meeting is with the residents of Sabach Njien in the Lower River Region.

Our team and partners from @TRRC_Gambia set the stage by introducing the project and sharing key information on the purpose, processes and structures of the TRRC.

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_

Trained statement takers from the @TRRC_Gambia are leading the private individual engagements to document the various human rights violations women faced in these communities.

In this thread, we will share excerpts of the experiences shared in the public conversation. @ATJLF_

“I was 4 months pregnant when they came. They took me away and after 2 days, I had a miscarriage. I really suffered and since then I am not able to regain back my weight.”

#TJ4Women220 @TRRC_Gambia @ATJLF_ #Gambia

“There is no way she can be reparated because she lost her pregnancy. That child could have been great and nobody can give it back.”

#TJ4Women220 @TRRC_Gambia @VictimsofJammeh @ATJLF_

“I was arrested while I was in the shower. These men didn't give me any privacy. I was fasting and never got the opportunity to break my fast or pray.”

#TJ4Women220 @TRRC_Gambia @VictimsofJammeh @ATJLF_

“I wasn't arrested but my son was. The only reason I was spared was because I had seven kids surrounding me. They took everything I had in the room and left.”

Women have been both direct and indirect victims of human rights violations.

#TJ4Women220 @TRRC_Gambia @ATJLF_

“They wanted to kill a parliamentary candidate, and our community was not going to watch that happen. This was a government we all voted in; the same government that have left unforgettable marks in our hearts.”

A hat and a baton left behind in 2013.

@ATJLF_ @TRRC_Gambia

“I had just lost my child when they came. I tried hiding under the bed but they dragged me out. In the process, I sustained cuts on my chest. My mom tried pleading with them because I am mourning, but they took me anyway. I had no clue what was happening.”

@ATJLF_ @TRRC_Gambia

“I was a witness when one of the old men was arrested. He was already sick and was found reading the Qur'an. He had swollen feet from the sickness and they made him stand throughout his arrest. He passed away shortly after he was released.”

@ATJLF_ @VictimsofJammeh @TRRC_Gambia

“They took us and sat us down on the ground. They said women in this village are very rude and we will suffer if we want to fight the government. They kicked us and some of us lost our teeth.”

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_ @TRRC_Gambia @VictimsofJammeh

Beyond the group conversations, it is important to ensure that these experiences are documented and investigated by @TRRC_Gambia.

In Sabach Njien, we have been able to collect more statements and will continue to work with the TRRC to ensure a more inclusive process.

@ATJLF_

An inclusive transitional justice process can facilitate more unity as The #Gambia works to consolidate its new democracy.

We are committed to ensuring that the voices of women and girls are adequately included in the process, and justice is served for all.

@ATJLF_ @TRRC_Gambia

From the North Bank to the Lower River Region.

Our team had a courtesy meeting with the Chairperson of @MansakonkoC, Hon Landing Sanneh, to introduce the project and the planned engagements in Soma.

#TJ4Women220 @TRRC_Gambia @VictimsofJammeh

Women from Soma and surrounding communities hosted our team for the discussions.

More stories as we shared relevant information on the transitional justice process and the importance of capturing diverse experiences. M

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_ @TRRC_Gambia @VictimsofJammeh

Mariama and Isatou work at @TRRC_Gambia and @VictimsofJammeh respectively.

They lead to conversation, and explain the significance of the project and the partnership among our institutions to ensure more voices are heard.

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_

We will continue to share snippets of the stories shared in the public conversations, as our teams work with the various individuals to document private statements for further investigation by @TRRC_Gambia.

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_ @VictimsofJammeh

“My husband was arrested leaving 3 wives and many kids behind. During this period, he lost a lot of money and his business collapsed. We suffered in the hands of the government. We were deprived of any kind of help because we were UDP supporters.”

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_

“I was a political victim with my husband. After voting, people were throwing stones at our house and insulting us. It was hard for us to take part in any activity because we were supporting UDP.”

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_ @VictimsofJammeh @TRRC_Gambia

“My husband was taken away for 10 months. He was a chairman for UDP at the time. The APRC party members harassed and fought with the guys in our house who were also arrested as well. I will recommend that the government makes sure #neveragain is achieved.”

#TJ4Women @ATJLF_

“I testified at the @TRRC_Gambia, but after I came back, people harassed me and called me names. They said that I am very greedy and poor, and that's why I testified. All these were made publicly and has affected me greatly.”

We must ensure protection for witnesses. @ATJLF_

“My husband was arrested and taken to Mansakonko for 3 months. This resulted to my daughter dropping out of school because she wasn't in the right state of mind to continue. When my husband was released, he wasn't well and died shortly after.”

#TJ4Women220 @ATJLF_ @TRRC_Gambia

Many of the stories and statements in Soma showed women as indirect victims through the arrests and detention of their husbands.

These violations disrupted families and affected children, with long-lasting implications.

The quest for justice must address these many facets.

We thank the @ATJLF_ for supporting this important work to ensure more voices - especially of women - are included in The Gambia’s transitional justice process.

This project builds on our #TJ4Women advocacy efforts, launched ahead of the establishment of the @TRRC_Gambia.