By Yunus S Saliu
The Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters on Wednesday, 25th September 2024 inaugurated the Fisheries Gender Desk, which represents a pivotal stride toward gender inclusivity and sustainable fisheries management.
The event held at Prime Atlantic Hotel Banjul was made possible through the support of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union Sector Support Program.
Presiding over the inauguration on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters was Malang Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries.
He noted that the inauguration of the Fisheries Gender Desk is not just a milestone, but a beacon of commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.
More so, he said, the initiative represented more than the establishment of a physical desk, “it is the embodiment of our dedication to ensuring that gender quality becomes the cornerstone of a striving business sector.”
The DPS noted that the launching was a testament to the sector’s recognition of the vital role women play in the industry and the necessity of creating pathways for their full participation.
He reminded them that the Fisheries Gender Desk, is a call to action, challenging everyone to go beyond symbolic gestures and take concrete steps to dismantle barriers that have historically limited opportunities for women.
So, “through this initiative, we aim to amplify the voices of women, empower them to take on leadership roles, and ensure that their contribution to the physical sector was not only acknowledged but celebrated.”
On this transformative journey, DPS Darboe on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries extended the best gratitude to all those who have played a role in making this initiative a reality.
Ms. Jennifer Gee, Head of the Gender Team Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Rome FAO HQ said the launched Fisheries Gender Desk is a culmination of a process that started over 2 years ago as a collaboration between the Ministry and the FAO EAF-Nansen Program, under its Northwest SardinellaRegional Initiative.
She explained that the long-term objective of the FAO EAF-Nansen Programme is “sustainable fisheries improve the food and nutrition security of the populations of partner countries.”
She dilated on the adopted approach by the program while saying the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries management is recommended by the FAO’s Committee of Fisheries as a holistic approach that takes into consideration the ecological, human, and social elements of sustainability and the most appropriate governance framework.
Among other speakers at the inauguration were Ma’am GarmiJabang, Director of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare, EU representative in The Gambia, Dr. Anna Mbenga Cham, Director of Fisheries, and also Hamad Tijan Jobe who made remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries.
