By Haddy Touray
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, engaged with children on Sunday, March 2nd, in commemoration of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).
The event, held at the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting’s conference hall, highlighted the significance of children’s voices in nation-building.
In her statement, Hon. Kinteh emphasized the importance of celebrating and recognizing the role children play in shaping the future of The Gambia. She underscored this year’s theme, “Amplifying Young Voices, Building a Better Future,” which highlights the need to empower children and provide them with platforms to express themselves.
Hon. Kinteh reiterated that children in The Gambia possess immense potential, and it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure their voices are heard, respected, and valued.
“By creating spaces where children can express themselves—whether through the media, community initiatives, or social platforms—we foster an environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and advocacy,” she highlighted.
She stated that the Gambia government has made significant strides in advancing children’s rights and welfare, particularly in media engagement. This includes the development of legal frameworks such as the Children Act of 2005, the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. These frameworks aim to protect children’s rights, including their access to information and freedom of expression.
Despite these advancements, Hon. Kinteh noted that the implementation of media-related policies remains limited due to inadequate resources.
“There is a need for more training for media professionals, the development of appropriate child-friendly content, and stronger enforcement of existing laws,” she stated.
She further highlighted the digital divide as a significant challenge, with many children in rural areas lacking access to technology, thereby limiting their exposure to educational and informative media. The rapid evolution of digital media also necessitates constant updates to policies and regulations to ensure children’s online safety.
On this special day, Hon. Kinteh urged stakeholders to commit to actively listening to young voices and ensuring they have the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to create positive change. She stressed the role of education, mentorship, and media representation in empowering children to reach their full potential.
She called on media outlets to prioritize child-friendly content that reflects the aspirations, concerns, and dreams of young people. “It is time to break down barriers and foster open dialogues that support their ambitions,” she urged.
As The Gambia celebrates the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, Hon. Kinteh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that young voices are at the forefront of national growth and development.
“Let us amplify their voices today, for a brighter tomorrow.”
