By: Fatou krubally
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology recently hosted a validation workshop to review a draft roadmap and strategy aimed at establishing creche facilities in tertiary and higher education institutions across the Gambia.
Led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical MukhtarrDarboe, consultant Dr. Kenneth Olgharo Igharo, and Fatou Janneh, the focal point for MoHERST Creche, the workshop marked a crucial step towards empowering women and promoting inclusivity in the education sector.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical Mukhtarr Darboe emphasized the importance of supporting women in higher education, stating, “Women go through a series of difficulties that affect their welfare. If they do not have the relevant skills and higher education, they will not be able to participate effectively in national development.” The strategy aims to address these challenges by providing creche facilities to support female students with children, enabling them to pursue their education without barriers.
Consultant Dr. Kenneth Olgharo Igharo presented the draft roadmap, highlighting the need for inclusivity and equity in post-secondary education. He urged participants to contribute their expertise and innovative ideas to refine the strategy and ensure its effective implementation. The initiative received support from the World Bank’s Resilience, Inclusion, Skills & Equity (RISE) Project, underscoring its significance in promoting gender equality and education access.
Fatou Janneh, focal point for MoHERST Creche, stressed the importance of supporting women in higher education and highlighted the challenges they face. She emphasized the need for creche facilities to enable female students to balance their educational pursuits with childcare responsibilities. Janneh’s impassioned speech resonated with attendees, reinforcing the urgency of implementing the strategy to create a more inclusive education system.
The Ministry’s commitment, as articulated by Fatou Janneh, to supporting women in tertiary institutions through the establishment of creche facilities demonstrates a progressive approach to addressing gender disparities in education. By providing essential support for female students with children, the strategy paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable education system in the Gambia. As Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical Mukhtarr Darboe aptly stated, “Once we support a woman, the men are safe.”
