By: Mariama Njie
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional and Employment in collaboration in collaboration with SheTrades Board held a forum on implementation of gender gap champion initiative in The Gambia, recently at local hotel lKololi.
The initiative aims at promoting gender equality in The Gambia by establishing and amplifying the commitments of those in leadership roles to actively further equality within their mandates, and to increase the visibility of women in leadership positions.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Minister of Women, children and Social Welfare Fatou Kinteh, said the gender gap champion is a network of leaders that was funded in 2015, adding that they are committed to working together to break down gender barriers.
“To become a gender champion one must be the head of an organization, permanent mission institution “noting that no nation can achieve suitable development, when women continue to lack behind.
She added: “As gender champions we are working together is to change local laws and policies which discriminate women’s and girls, we are working to change and assist our culture which has consequence for development”,
Claudia Cole, minister of Basic and Secondary Education on behalf of the Vice President, said women when compare to men still lack behind, especially in leadership and decision making roles as far The Gambia gender report 2013.
She noted that, there is a huge need for women to come together, learn lesson, share successes, network and employ each other.
“Government is doing everything possible to ensure that women continue to contribute to the transformation of our dear country The Gambia”
“It is also in line with the government institutional reform, policies aligning key sectors and relevant institution”, she said.
She explained that, the women of this country are recognize and consider as a crucial segment of society, that contribute immensely to nation building, adding the government will continue to play its part through the provision and inclusive policies for women leader.
“I am exceptionally pleased that this year’s agenda focuses more on commitments action”, she pointed out.
Mrs. Naffie Barry, Chairperson of the She-Trades Board, said the commitments made by the gender champions can help in catalysing change and in implementing best practices to achieve gender equality.