By: Fatoumatta J Camara
DCAF and the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) recently organized a four-day validation workshop on Gender Mainstreaming Policy and the Sexual Harassment Policy at a local hotel in Bakau.
The initiative has been described as a significant step towards enhancing gender equality and efficiency within the Gambia Immigration Department.
The Deputy Director of Immigration, Mrs. Hulay Jallow, highlighted that the meticulous review and validation of their draft sexual harassment and gender policies will represent a significant milestone in their journey towards creating a safe, respectful, and equitable working environment.
She noted that these policies not only reflect their steadfast dedication to upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of every member of their department but also serve as a testament to their firm resolve to align with international human rights standards.
“The development of a draft gender action plan, informed by the invaluable insights gleaned from the GID scoping study on gender equality, reaffirms their proactive stance in addressing gender-related challenges and fostering meaningful progress by translating recommendations into tangible actions,” she added.
Mr. Ken Isaac, head of the DCAF Office in Banjul underscored the importance of the synergy which, he said, “is a critical step forward in their collective efforts to enhance gender equality, create a safer, and more inclusive working environment for the Gambia Immigration Department”.
“Since 2018, DCAF, the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, has been a steadfast partner in supporting the security sector reform (SSR) initiatives in The Gambia. Our role has been to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and strategic guidance to security institutions, including The Gambia Immigration Department,” added Mr. Isaac.
Mariama Nyang, Commissioner of West Coast Region emphasized that these policies are not just documents but are reflections of their commitment to creating a respectful and equitable work environment for all members of the GID.
“We have also carefully selected recommendations from the GID scoping study on gender equality, which will serve as the foundation for our draft gender action plan. Our discussions have been both insightful and productive, highlighting the challenges and opportunities we face in achieving our gender equality goals,” highlighted Commissioner Nyang.