Published: March 4, 2026
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Department of Human Development and Social Affairs (DHAS), has convened a high-level consultative dialogue aimed at redefining and strengthening the role of women and young people in governance, peace, security, and regional integration across West Africa.
The three-day forum, organized by the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), is taking place from March 2 to 4, 2026, in Saly-Portudal, Republic of Senegal. It brings together policymakers, gender advocates, youth leaders, civil society actors, and regional stakeholders to deliberate on strategies that can enhance inclusion and participation of women and youth in the region’s decision-making processes.
A Strategic Moment for Reflection
The dialogue is being held under the theme: “Women and young people in governance, peace, security and regional integration.” It seeks to generate practical and forward-looking recommendations to mobilize women and youth as central actors in building sustainable peace and advancing socio-economic integration within the ECOWAS region.
Organizers say the meeting comes at a critical time when West Africa continues to grapple with political transitions, security threats, and economic challenges. Against this backdrop, ECOWAS is emphasizing the need to reposition women and youth—not merely as beneficiaries of policies—but as active architects of governance reforms and peacebuilding efforts.
Part of ECOWAS @ 50 Commemoration
The dialogue forms part of activities marking ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary, commemorated under the broader initiative dubbed the “Summit on the Future of West Africa.” The golden jubilee celebration provides an opportunity for reflection on the bloc’s achievements and shortcomings, while charting a new course for the next generation. Officials note that placing women and youth at the center of this anniversary conversation underscores the bloc’s recognition that sustainable regional integration cannot be achieved without inclusive governance frameworks.
The event is being supported by several ECOWAS departments and institutions, signaling a coordinated institutional commitment to mainstream gender and youth perspectives across regional programs and policies.
Advancing Governance and Security
Through Inclusion Discussions during the forum are expected to focus on identifying barriers that limit women’s and young people’s effective participation in governance and peace processes. Participants will also examine policy gaps and explore innovative approaches to strengthen their representation in political institutions, security sector reforms, and economic integration initiatives.
In recent years, ECOWAS has adopted various protocols and frameworks promoting gender equality and youth empowerment. However, implementation challenges persist in many member states, particularly in translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes. The Saly-Portudal dialogue is therefore expected to produce actionable strategies and renewed commitments to ensure that women and youth are not sidelined in ongoing political transitions, mediation efforts, and regional integration processes.
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