The global landscape has undeniably transitioned into a paradigm of the 'new normal,' catalyzed by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In The Gambia, households and communities have grappled with unprecedented crises, compounded by the ever-evolving nature of the virus, resulting in the emergence of various COVID-19 variants. While the efforts of the government have been primarily concentrated on containment and curbing the virus's spread, there has been a conspicuous absence of strategic national shock-responsive gender-focused social safety nets, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery within The Gambia. To investigate this critical gap, the study employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing focus group discussions with participants from diverse backgrounds and structured interviews with key institutions for primary data collection. The population encompassed stakeholder consultations and engagements at various levels, including the national, regional, and ward levels. Data were collected over a ten-week period and subsequently subjected to descriptive analysis. The assumption was rigorously examined through content analysis. The findings unveiled the adverse impacts of COVID-19 shocks on post-pandemic recovery in The Gambia. Notably, it illuminated the concerning lack of awareness and inadequate attitudes toward the COVID-19 virus. Furthermore, the research exposed a critical void in the nation's approach, revealing the absence of a strategic national shock-responsive gender-focused safety net for post-pandemic recovery within the country. These findings substantiate the research's initial assumption that the administration of shock-responsive gender-focused social protection safety nets during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia has been ineffective. The study strongly recommends that the government, in collaboration with relevant ministries, establish specialized task forces or committees dedicated to formulating a comprehensive recovery plan with a national scope, specifically tailored to implement shock-responsive gender-focused social safety nets for post-pandemic recovery in The Gambia.