By: Nyima Sillah
Gender campaigners In The Gambia have observed this year’s 16-day of activism campaign by raising awareness of people under the subject ‘elimination of violence against women and children’, who bear the brunt of social violence, despite having a law that prohibits the act in the country.
The Voice Newspaper has taken a look into what has changed since the campaign started in the country. Our reporter Nyima Sillah sat with Yadi Njie -Eribo, National Coordinator of Forum for African Women Educationalist in a face-t-face interview.
The Voice: How do you think gender-based violence can be eradicated in the country?
Yadi Njie -Eribo: There are already laws in the books that criminalized GBV, we have the women’s act and the domestic violence act which are in place to protect women from sexual and gender-based violence. Now what we need to do is to popularize them and advocate for proper implementation of the law. When a few people are arrested and taken to court and imprisoned them then they will know the implications of abusing a woman or girl.
The Voice: What is the number of GBV cases in 2021?
Yadi Njie -Eribo: I am not getting data really and I don’t want to give you something that is not accurate but according to UNFPA 75% of women within their reproductive age have gone through FGM, 30% of women between 20–25 years old according to data got married before their 18th birthday.
The Voice: As a woman and activist, what is your expectation from the government on the issues of women’s welfare?
YadiNjie -Eribo: I expect the government to take up the issues that affect women like maternal mortality, women in politics, leadership economic support and put them on their agenda for the next 5 years.
The Voice: What should the government do in order to create more space for women to participate in politics and be part of decision making?
Yadi Njie -Eribo: Government can concentrate on the education of women and girls, open up space for women representation in parliament and at municipal levels.
The Voice: What is your advice to your fellow women regarding the rights of women and the vital role they have in the communities?
Yadi Njie -Eribo: Stop giving out your votes for free; stop being the cheerleaders and cooks at these political activities. Demand respect, demand space at the table, your voice matters it is very important. Don’t you see no politician will ever win any position in this country without the support of the women?
The Voice: Women and girls in the country go through a lot during their menstruation cycle and after giving birth; a few months ago UNFPA launched a project to mitigate the issues of sanitation items what is your take on that?
YadiNjie -Eribo: We congratulate UNFPA for the foresight of creating such a project it will be very useful for women because we all know of menstrual poverty. Many cannot afford to buy sanitary products to use during their periods. Many girls do not go to school during their periods, therefore, missing at least a week in every month from school. Therefore, we are glad this is happening and we hope that more organizations will follow this good example.
The Voice: Talking about sanitary items, what advice do you have for the government in the price regulation of sanitary items?
Yadi Njie –Eribo: Just like I said earlier these things are very important merchants should be more sensitive to the plight of women.
The Voice: As a women activist what do you think government can do to mitigate the issue of maternal mortality?
YadiNjie -Eribo: One woman dying giving life is one too much, no woman should lose her life-giving life. We need state-of-the-art hospitals that can run tests and ready to address any emergency that might arise. They should remember that women constitute over 50% of the population.
