By: HARUNA Kuyateh
For a fair dispensation and promotion of social justice, the Kerewan Area Council has appointed a woman, Madam Siga Saidy as member of Upper Nuimi District Tribunal in North Bank Region (NBR).
This appointment came as a result of numerous advocacy programs on land rights campaign for women and promoting social justice through women inclusion in district tribunal and series of consultation with women and also president of the Tribunal. The advocacy program was led by Action Aid International The Gambia.
Her appointment has disclosed took effect in November 2020.
The head chief of Upper Nuimi hailed Action Aid International The Gambia local rights program (LRP) Juffureh Office for their tireless efforts in advocating for women inclusion at Upper Nuimi District Tribunal.
Commenting on the development during the inauguration, Chief Momodou Chatty Cham described the appointment of female to the District Tribunal as historic and said it would obviously help women to file their complaints. And “this will accord them fair hearing by using Customary, Shariah laws.”
The chief commended the chairman and management of Kerewan Area Council for the appointment of female as part of the District Tribunal member, saying it demonstrated council and Action Aid International the Gambia’s commitment to women empowerment.
Chief Cham uses the moment to call on fellow chiefs and local councils to provide space for women to be presence at Tribunal level to complement government’s efforts in the drive to women empowerment.
Saikou F Bah, program officer of Action Aid at Juffureh Office noted that the appointment of woman to the District Tribunal marked a significant milestone in promoting women empowerment and social justice.
The newly appointed District Tribunal member, Siga Saidy commended Action Aid Internation The Gambia for its advocacy program through creation of Gender Action Group on promoting women land rights and inclusion at tribunal levels.
She also hailed Kerewan Area Council, chief of Upper Nuimi and district members for their recognition and support to provide space for women to be fully represented at decision making level. She promised to execute her functions in line with tribunal acts and laws of the country.
Alh.Eduwar Jammeh Senior Court Member and Janko Jaiteh Court Scriber said members should operate within the framework of the law to ensure fair play. The duos said Tribunal Act document helps to guide the operation of Tribunal and ensure regular consultation.
Juma Bah District President of Upper Nuimi Rural Women Assembly thanked chief Momodou Chatty Cham for his steadfastness in supporting women empowerment.
Ida Jallow from Kerr Demba Holley said the appointment of Siga Saidy has brought joy to the women.
