By: Nyima Sillah
The District Assembly for the Welfare of Girls and Young Women under the Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance (KEYCDA) Wednesday commemorated the International Women’s Day (IWD) in Sohm Lower Basic School, Sohm, West Coast Region.
The theme of the celebration is Recognising the Great Efforts of Women in Community Development. The commemoration aimed at demonstrating recognition and appreciation of women contribution to societal development.
Fanta Daboe, Speaker of the District Assembly for the Welfare of Girls and Young Women described the IWD as key, saying everyone has recognized the sacrifices women have done in the world.
She said women are encountering numerous challenges that are caused by misconception associated with religious and cultural practices in the society. “If you understand our religion you will know that it is mandatory for women to learn”
Ms Darboe then called on all women to acquire skills and knowledge in order to be able to execute their functions smoothly in the society. “Gender equality is not about fighting but about tolerance and understanding,” she said.
However Khaddy Sanyang, coordinator of District Assembly for the Welfare of Girls and Young Women said the IWD helps mankind to reflect on women’s efforts to societal development, reflect on challenges of women as well help people to put measures in place to address the challenges.
“Our role is not only being housewives. But also to contribute to the development of the nation as well as to the development of ourselves,” she said.
She called on women to work unanimously to contribute in nation building and improve their employment rate.
Furthermore Sirreh Touray, lady councilor for Kombo East District called on women to stand firmly to participate in the development of the society, while advised women to believe in themselves, and work to expectation.“Any position that a man hold, a woman can also hold that position successfully,” she told the young girls.
The representative of Child Fund, Hawa Minteh commended Gambian women for their commitment by participating in development of their various communities and the country as a whole.
She recognized women’s contribution in decision- making process through handling key position in central government, public institutions, and at the civil society organizations compare to previous years while appealed to women to keep the momentum.
