By: Haruna Kuyateh
As their campaigns intensify across the administrative regions of the country for the promotion of women’s participation and the decision to strengthen all-inclusive participation in the dispensation of the traditional justice system, many stakeholders have come out to support the campaign caravan.
The caravan is being conducted by Action Aid International-The Gambia and is funded by the UNFPA. The tour targets all regions across the country and the delegates include women districts tribunal members from Niamina West, East, and Dankunku, Civil Society Organisations among others.
Chief Fabala Fadia Kinteh of Lower Badibou noted that women are key stakeholders and, therefore, supporting and protecting them will contribute to the enhancement of social cohesion.
Musukebba Kinteh on behalf of the women thanked Action Aid for “this important” campaign, saying it’s long overdue and expressed the belief that it would address marital problems and end the culture of silence.
The Chief of Upper Badibou, Alhaji Mustapha Dibba, disclosed that the seat of the retired Chief Alhaji SambujangJagne, which remained vacant due to some circumstances, has been subsequently filled.
He said empowerment is crucial but the only challenge is the payment of an allowance for additional court members.
The Chairman of Kerewan Area Council, Papa Tunkara, said the council would support the initiative, describing the move as the right step in protecting women from all forms of Gender-Based Violence.
Chairman Tunkara said his office will engage women representatives and the General Council to discuss and develop a roadmap for appointing women as district tribunal members.
Women leader from Farafenni, Fatou Ceesay, said women should be respected and provided space to be part of the decision-making process. She welcomed the idea and called on women to support “this noble” initiative.
The Manager of the Local Rights Programme (LRP), SaikouDarboe, said Action Aid is prepared to provide capacity-building for district authorities in their roles and functions to ensure fair dispensation of justice.
Niamina East District Tribunal member Mansata Fatty described women’s representation as a solution in promoting alternative dispute resolution between married couples and land problems due to inheritance.
She thanked Action Aid International for the empowerment of women with the requisite knowledge of rights and the use of dialogue as a tool for promoting social justice.
Chief Ebrima Juwara of Wuli East and women leader NyimaJuwara of Boro Kandeh Kassey all described the campaign as timely.