Code of Conduct for political parties to safeguard women

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Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)

  • Career category: Programme/ Project design & management, Research/ Data analysis
  • Job type: Consultancy
  • Experience level: Other (specified in job description)
  • Organisation type: Government
  • Remote option: Not Specified
  • Right to work requirements: Not specified
  • Remuneration: GBP 4,000 GBP-GBP 4,500 GBP / budget
  • Length of contract: Temporary/ Fixed-term
  • Deadline: 09/09/2026
  • Location: Gambia
GBV / VAWG Gender equality and Social inclusion (GESI) Human rights Leadership / governance Peace and Security
Context

Earlier in 2026, WFD commissioned both research on violence against women in politics (VAWP) in The Gambia, as well as an assessment and report on the safeguarding of women in politics within political parties in The Gambia. The assessment conducted on political parties in The Gambia examined the barriers to women’s political participation, with a particular focus on violence against women in politics (VAWP), internal party governance, and safeguarding measures. The assessment found that while women play a significant role in grassroots mobilisation, they remain underrepresented in leadership and candidate selection due to structural barriers, intimidation, harassment, discriminatory practices, and weak institutional safeguards within political parties. It also revealed inconsistencies across political parties in the existence and implementation of codes of conduct, safeguarding measures, and accountability mechanisms for addressing misconduct and protecting members, specifically women. Only 2 of the 5 parties measured had Codes of Conduct, within which none had reference to VAWP or safeguarding measures, and no party had safeguarding policies or gender policies.

Building on the assessment's findings, and the recommendations, WFD is continuing its support to political parties by aiming to strengthen their institutional frameworks through the development of party-specific Codes of Conduct which include elements related to safeguarding of women. This support aims to help parties establish clear standards of behaviour, reporting and response procedures, and accountability mechanisms that prevent harassment, discrimination, exploitation, abuse, and other forms of misconduct. By embedding these safeguards within party structures within the Code of Conduct, and then supporting parties in setting up and accountability and implementing mechanisms, WFD seeks to promote safer, more inclusive political spaces and strengthen political parties’ capacity to uphold democratic values and support the meaningful participation of women and other underrepresented groups. These Codes of Conduct, and the implementation of mechanisms within them, will act as deterrent, preventative and response measures to address VAWP.

Objectives
Ensure Codes of Conduct which include safeguarding policies and guidelines, align with national legislation, political party constitutions, and international and regional best practices and commitments on human rights, gender equality, and democratic governance. A common, and minimum standards, Code of Conduct, will be drafted for all parties, to then be added upon by individual parties dependent on their needs and expectations. 

Consultant requirements 
The consultant must possess the following qualifications: 
  • An advanced degree in political science, law, gender studies, public policy, human rights or related field.
  • Proven experience developing organisational policies, Code of Conduct, safeguarding frameworks, or similar governance instruments.
  • Demonstrated experience working on issues related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), violence against women in politics (VAWP), and safeguarding measures, including familiarity with referral pathways.
  • Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills in English. 
  • Detail-orientated in work ethic, with a discipline to ensure the research method is of high quality. 

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