By: Sulayman Waan
Women Bureau on Thursday, 7th March sensitized Gambia women on their rights, women welfare and the challenges affecting them ahead of the Women International Day celebrating today, 8th March.
The forum was meant enlightening the women on their rights, welfare, challenges affecting them and to preparation for the WID celebration.
In her opening remark, Hon. Fatou Sanneh Kinteh, Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Children commended the Gambia Government for initiating the Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Children.
She said the forum is part of the activities marking the International Women Day, with the theme ‘Think equal build smart and innovate for change balance # for better.’
The Minister stated that the celebration is also to identify challenges affecting the wellbeing of women and come up with recommendation to improve women’s condition. “This forum is a platform where women discuss on their advancement; a lot have been achieved for women yet challenges remain.”
She added that the conference will enable women leaders to discuss with their colleagues on issue affecting women ranging from institutions, homes and communities so as to give out recommendations on how to address their challenges.
Hon. Sanneh Kinteh said the participants have the opportunity to share their experience and ideas with their colleagues to ensure women’s advancement realize.
The Minister assured that her ministry and Women Bureau will work with development partners to make sure the dares affecting women become a history.
Representing the Chairperson for National Women Council, Isatou Dea Sawaneh said there is need for urgent action to ensure women and children empowerment, gender equality, women representation especially in decision making positions. She added that data has shown that women are underrepresented in decision making positions citing the National Assembly.
She enjoined women activists and civil society organization to continue advocating for women empowerment and rights to enable them get their wellbeing in the society.
Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA country representative expressed delight for the creation of Women’s Ministry in the country. She added that the balance expected for women across the world is still yet to be realized and women also earn less even when they are more productive than men.
He revealed that76% of Gambian women have gone through Female Genital Mutilation. This practice, she said, violate women’s right and there are many policies and law formed to stop the activities affecting women and girls.