By: Nyima Sillah
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Commemorated the International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, under the Theme: Orange the world Generation Equality Stands against Rape at the youth Monument Westfield on Tuesday.
The aim of the initiative is to galvanize action to end Gender Based Violence (GBV against women and girls around the world.
Mrs. Rohie Bittaye Darboe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women and Children Social Welfare said that, the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is an international campaign that takes place annually which commence on the 25th November to 10th December.
According to her, the major causes of GBV is founded in gender based inequalities and discrimination deeply rooted in culture and society, noting that recognizing GBV as a violation of human rights clarifies the binding obligations on state to eradicate and punish such violence.
”In other to meet our right obligations, states should seek to transform the social and cultural norms regulating power relations between women and men, and other linked aspects of subordination”, She said.
Ms Wanja Kaaria, Representative and Country Director, World Food Programme on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator Ms Seraphine Wakana, said that Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a life, threatening global health and human right issue that violates International Human Right law and principles of gender equality.
According to her, The Gambia and UN is working to keep the promises made by global leaders in 2015 through the 2030 agenda for sustainable development which is aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind.
“The exact numbers of rape and sexual assault cases are notoriously difficult to confirm due to frequent latitude and impunity for perpetrators, stigma towards survivors and their subsequent silence.
It is estimated that 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non- partner not to including sexual harassment at some point in their lives,” she said.
She added that, rape is rooted in a complex set of patriarchal beliefs, power and control that continue to create a social environment in which sexual violence is pervasive and normalized, adding that while the names, times and contexts may differ, women and girls universally experience rape, sexual violence, and abuse, everywhere.
”We are here to work with the government and people of The Gambia to ensure that, Gambia is free from all forms of violence against women”, she said.
Ramous Sambou Inspector General of Police Representative said that, sexual and GBV are priorities for the police and as part of their partnership with women’s Bureau and with the support of the UN system in The Gambia, the police force has been implementing series of activities to prevent GBV.
She lamented that, since 2012, the police force has been working very closely with the Women’s Bureau in ensuring that the police are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage cases of GBV.
”Police officers will not relent on their effort to ensure that the perpetrators of Gender Based Violence face the full force of the law”, She said.