Exact dates are TBC.

CPA UK invites Members of both Houses to join a cross-party delegation to The Gambia in January (2026).  

This visit will give Members an opportunity to support the Gambian Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare in delivering key action plans and engaging with local communities.

Delegates will meet parliamentarians, civil society, survivor advocates, and local stakeholders working to end cultural harms, including female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and land inheritance inequality. 

The visit will explore how the UK Parliament can learn from Gambian approaches to community engagement, and how cultural harms abroad may mirror or influence abuse experienced by women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK.

The programme will also cover sensitive inquiry processes, safeguarding frameworks, and the role of parliaments in protecting vulnerable groups. 

Expressions of interest are welcomed from Members with an interest in gender equality, safeguarding, violence against women and girls/cultural harms, or international development.

Members' specific experience in any of the above areas is encouraged to register interest.  

To register your interest or find out more, please contact Josephine Jengo-Cowell: jengoj@parliament.uk.