By:Mustapha S. Koli
The Gender Education Unit under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through (MoBSE), with funding from SWEED project, on Monday 6 May 2024, embarked upon the review and revision of the Sexual Harassment Guidelines and Code of Conduct for the education sector at the directorate’s conference hall in Kanifing.
The critical initiative, aimed at enhancing gender equality and ensuring the safety of children within the educational sphere,is crucial for the protection of children within and outside the education sector.
Madam Isatou Jallow, the Gender Focal Point underscored the paramount importance of gender equality to the Gambiagovernment’s agenda. She emphasized the urgent need for implementing strategies to advance girls’ education, highlighting the persistent challenges such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Child Marriage that continue to affect adolescent girls in The Gambia.
Despite significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates, the enforcement of existing laws remains a hurdle, leading to disparities in educational access and outcomes.
Central to the initiative is the SWEED project, which seeks to address the pressing issues confronting adolescent girls.
Mr. Alieu Jarju, representing the World Bank emphasized the project’s focus on bolstering access to essential services in health and education, with a particular emphasis on retaining girls in school.
Mr.Jarju pointed out that dropout rates often stem from factors like forced marriage and teenage pregnancy.
He urged participants to devise policies geared towards empowering women to assume leadership roles, thereby fostering gender equality.
Mrs. Tida Jatta Jarju, Director of In-service Training and Life Long Learning DITaLL, stressed the imperative of revising the code of conduct to safeguard children within educational environment to ensure their protection within educational settings.
Omar Mbakeh, Operations Manager for the SWEED Projectexpressed satisfaction with the review process, highlighting its alignment with the project’s goals of supporting girls’ education and combatting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Jerreh Sanyang emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education and stakeholders, emphasizing the need to prioritize children’s safety in both school and community settings. He reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to shielding children from all forms of violence.
Throughout the review process, presentations on life skills, livelihood skills, gender dynamics, and general discussions were conducted. Participants eagerly anticipated the development of comprehensive guidelines addressing critical issues pertaining to the protection of young boys and girls. These encompassed not only physical safety but also mental and emotional well-being. It is hoped that these efforts will not only improve educational performance but also foster greater participation and engagement among students.
In essence, the review and refinement of Sexual Harassment Guidelines and the code of conduct for the education sector represent a significant stride towards creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children in the Gambia.