By: Haruna Kuyateh
One-day sensitization program for local government authorities on Gender Based Violence Prevention, Response and Access to Land was held on Friday in Kerewan North Bank Region.
The program was organized by National Coordinating Organization for Farmers Association the Gambia (NACOFAG) with support from FAO’s Forest and Farm Facility (FFF).
Addressing the gathering, Musa F Sowe, President of NACOFAG underscored the significance of strengthening public awareness on the importance of prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV). He said people should deal with cultural and traditional barriers and promote regular reporting of perpetrators to authorities for redress.
Mr. Sowe challenged stakeholders to be vigilant and support the protection of women and girls from all forms of Gender Based Violence and ensure women have access to productive land.
For her part, Rose Zahra Gomez Regional Officer of Directorate of Gender at governor’s office in Kerewan and also lead facilitator for the program hailed NACOFAG for complementing government efforts in the protection of women and girls from Gender Based Violence. This, she says, is done through dissemination of information and promote regular reporting.
She noted with concern the many cases of Gender Based Violence reported by the media. Rose also challenged parents, caregivers and guidance to closely monitor and dialogue with girls on issues of mutual benefit.
She discloses that all legal frameworks are available to ensure fair dispensation of justice and encourage families to come forward to support.
Karamo Minteh, the Regional Agricultural Director for NBR says the sensitization target women, youth and opinion leaders and will strengthen communities’ resilience in the quest to fight against and break barriers. He said the protection against Gender Based Violence would contribute towards enhancing social cohesion and by extension food production and productivity.
Other speakers included: Fatou O Jallow youth leader from Essau and Jonsaba Jawara of Kerewan.