By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Forum for African Women Educationist Gambia Chapter, FAWEGAM in partnership with the Regional Education Directorate of Region 3 and with support from UNICEF rolled out sensitization on Gender Based Violence that is aimed at empowering community groups through a series of structured community dialogue and activities.
The event targeted Farafenni and Essau clusters and had Mothers’ clubs, traditional and religious leaders, school children, and adolescents, in attendance.
Mathew Mendy, FAWEGAM’s Senior Programme Officer described the outreach sensitization as important, noting that it provided space for key stakeholders and school children to critically discuss and map out strategies for putting an end to all forms of gender-based violence.
Mendy noted that the engagement among stakeholders and partners would go a long way in building networks and communication that will help put an end to forced early marriages, teenage pregnancy, rape, and female genital mutilation. He hailed the Gambia Police Force Regional Education Directorate and Mothers Club for their commitment to promoting girls’ education.
Jahou Gaye speaking for the Regional Education Directorate in Kerewan, lauded the efforts made in establishing a regional mothers club and for the mobilization of D112,500 to support schools to enhance the learning of children.
Madam Gaye added that forced early marriages and rape cases are often reported by schools and urged the Gambia Police Force and all mother’s clubs to be vigilant and challenge school authorities to intensify close monitoring of girls and teachers to avert such practice at school level. She stressed the need for closer collaboration between school authorities and community structures to improve communication.
ASP Cadet Augustine Mendy of the Gambia Police Force in Farafenni thanked FAWEGAM for the foresight and said that they have rolled out awareness and educational outreach programs targeting schools and communities on Gender-Based Violence, drug abuse, and other criminal activities. He said GPF values the timely sharing of information and calls on stakeholders and partners to be vigilant to report any form of crime and violence against girls to the nearest Police Station.
He disclosed that the Police are yet to receive complaints of FGM and reminded all that the practice is banned as stated in the 2015 Women Act Section 32 A & B and that they are a criminal offense that police will endeavor to enforce the law.