By Musa S. Sheriff
Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow, has stated that gender equality stands as an essential pillar for the progress and prosperity of any nation.
“As a government, we firmly believe that when women and girls are empowered, their voices are uplifted, and their rights are protected, the benefits reverberate throughout society. By embracing gender equality, we unlock a world of infinite possibilities, where the potential of every citizen, regardless of gender, is realized,” he said.
He made the statement on the occasion of World Population Day held today, Tuesday, and this year’s theme, “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock Our World’s Infinite Possibilities” resonates deeply with the nation’s commitment to achieving a more inclusive and equitable society.
He noted that the theme emphasized the pivotal role that gender equality plays in unleashing the full potential of the nation and its people.
VP Jallow pointed out that over the years, the Gambia has made significant strides in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls.
According to him, the Gambia government has implemented structural, policy, and programmatic initiatives including the establishment of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare in 2019, with a special unit called the Directorate of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment a clear sign of the Gambian’s dedication to promoting and safeguarding the rights of women and girls.
He noted that the unit is established to coordinate and implement policies and programs that promote gender equality.
“We have also taken decisive actions to reform laws, ensuring that women have equal access to justice, protection, and opportunities. The Gambia government has promulgated several laws such as the Women’s Act, Domestic Violence Act, and the Sexual Offences Act among others which provide legal protection against discrimination, violence, and harmful traditional practices and ensures that women have equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. We have also criminalized female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage,” VP Jallow outlined.
He added: “We have also implemented policies and programs aimed at empowering women and girls, ensuring their access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Subsequently, we have made remarkable strides in improving the health and education of women and girls. We have witnessed an increase in access to quality healthcare, including reproductive health services, maternal care, and family planning.”
The Vice President went on that by prioritizing the well-being of women and girls, the government has realized a decline in maternal mortality and morbidity.
“We have launched initiatives such as the Women’s Enterprise Fund and provided microfinance loan scheme and vocational training for women and girls to economically empower them, foster entrepreneurship, and remove barriers to financial independence. By nurturing women’s economic potential, we enable them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy and break free from cycles of poverty,” he disclosed.
These efforts, he noted, have yielded tangible progress in areas such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and women’s representation in decision-making and participation in the labor force.
“Women and girls are breaking glass ceilings, excelling in fields previously dominated by men, and contributing positively to our nation’s development. We celebrate the voices of Gambian women and girls that have risen above challenges, inspiring future generations and igniting change in our society,” VP Jallow noted.