By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare under the Directorate of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment through UNDP Electoral Cycle Support to The Gambia last week organised information sharing Seminar on Dessimination voter education for women of Kerewan.
The outreach program was essentially meant to prepare the mindset of women to ensure successful voter registration and participation during the election cycle. The synergy was held in Kerewan North Bank Region.
The objective is to sensitized women on election process and its significant on women participation and by extension to avoid election related violence and maintain peace during and after election.
Speaking on the occasion Kajali Sonko Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare said information sharing on voter registration among leaders is crucial; noting that it would strengthen women’s capacity, awareness and prepare them to participate in decision making process through acquiring voter’s card.
He calls on women leaders to work in solidarity with Governor Office, organizations and institutions to bring about meaningful development to enhance lives and livelihood of everyone.
DPS Sonko called on women to be vigilant and obtain necessary documents ahead of the general Voters Card Registration and ensure active participation in decision making process.
He disclosed that similar information sharing on voter education was conducted in WCR, LRR, NBR and the team would proceed to CRR and URR in the coming days. He asserted that most of the issues coming from women are mainly political positions are male dominated and cultural and religious misinterpretation surrounding women in leadership.
But the advocacy and sensitisation has enhanced capacity, therefore more women are willing to be fully represented at decision making levels – National Assembly and Councilors’ positions in the coming elections.
He disclosed that the current status quo is gender blind on electoral law as there is no affirmative action for women. DPS expressed optimism that their high need for positive change that ensure electoral laws and political parties regulations or laws are gender friendly.
For his part Governor Lamin Saidykhan thanked Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare for rolling out such important forum which will provide opportunity to decide whom they want to lead or represent them at decision making process. He quickly added that peace and security is crucial during campaign and after election.
He noted that the seminar is timely as IEC prepares for General Voters Registration scheduled for 29th May 2021 (already ongoing) while he enjoined residents cooperate and present valid documents to ensure smooth running of the registration.
The Governor also urged women leaders to be proactive and preach peace and stability without allow politic to divide them.
He therefore assured them of his office fullest support and cooperation.
OusmanSonko vice principal at Rural Development Institute (RDI) dilated on leadership, and team building skills and women participation in election to ensure women network and support.
He noted that election is important ingredients to democratic governance and rule of law. He said they should analyze their obstacles as women political participants, as well as strategies implemented by relevant stakeholders to promote gender equality throughout the electoral cycle.
While added that leadership and team building is crucial in strengthen the capacity of women leaders to enable them respond to the development needs of the women’s.