As part of the Global Forum on Coalitions for Reforms, which took place in Washington DC (United States) on September 16 and 17, the World Bank hosted a pivotal session titled Power in Practice: Collective Action and Gender-Transformative Leadership.

The session showcased the SWEDD+ Legal Platform, highlighting its innovative model for advancing gender legal reforms and institutional strategies, particularly in gender-based violence (GBV).

The session featured the voice of the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG), with the Gambia Legal Platform co-chair, Mariatou J. Newlands, speaking on behalf of regional practitioners directly engaged in these reforms. This event demonstrated how SWEDD+ is contributing to advancing gender legal reforms and institutional strategies from a policy perspective. Furthermore, the session highlighted how legal advocacy and coalition building are driving transformative change across institutions.

Leila Hanafi, Senior Legal Specialist for SWEDD+ and Focal Point of the SWEDD+ Regional Legal Platform, emphasized:

"The Gambia’s experience shows the power of bringing diverse voices together, government, civil society, lawyers such as FLAG, academics, and religious leaders, to defend and sustain legal protections for women and girls. By anchoring dialogue in both law and social norms, the SWEDD+ Legal Platform created a space where coalition-building could translate into tangible impact. This inclusive approach was pivotal in mobilizing Parliament and shaping a united front to safeguard the FGM ban."

In addition, a SWEDD+ Delivery Lab session offered a deeper dive into SWEDD+ legal innovations model, with a particular focus on the legal reforms on GBV advanced through coalition building. The Lab provided a platform to explore how SWEDD+ serves as a model for coalition-driven legal and policy change on gender equality and GBV across Western and Central Africa.

The Forum brought together voices from government, grassroots leadership, philanthropy, and research, fostering dialogue on how inclusive leadership and civic action led by women can shape institutional reform.