By: Kemo Kanyi
The Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the private sector launched the Public Procurement Guide to support women-led businesses to effectively participate in trade.
The guide was launched under the initiative Gambia Private Sector for Equality Campaign which aims to raise awareness and drive action for a more inclusive society, where women and girls can thrive.
Baboucarr O. Joof, minister of trade, regional integration and employment said the development of the guide on public procurement for women entrepreneurs represents a symbolic journey for the government towards gender-inclusive economic growth. He stated that the manual has been designed as a vital resource, which provides clear guidance on the purpose, scope, and application of public procurement law and regulations in The Gambia.
“The guide emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Gambia Public Procurement Act [GPP Act 2022] and its regulations while offering practical insights to help women-led businesses navigate the procurement landscape effectively—it’s a springboard for transformation, opening doors for women-led businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our country’s economic landscape,” minister Joof said in his launch statement delivered at the International Trade Centre in Bakau on Tuesday.
Ndey Ross Sarr, country representative of UNFPA said investing in women is a smart move as it will enhance the realisation of gender equality, adding that creating economic opportunities for women will serve as a catalyst to build a world where women-led businesses thrive, deliver and get access to markets for their advancement.
Ngonneh Panneh, senior technical specialist at the ITC, Fatou Jallow, representative from the GCCI, and Fatoumata Jawara, a representative from the women advocacy group (Ma Foundation), all maintained that women must be empowered for the country to realise any meaningful economic advancement in future.
