By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia has reiterated its unwavering commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls on the global stage.
Speaking as the 27th speaker at the United Nations General Assembly Hall during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, the Gambia’s Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou Sanyang-Kinteh, highlighted the country’s “bold commitment” to embedding gender equality at the heart of every policy and development initiative.
She emphasized that gender equality is no longer a separate issue in The Gambia but is integrated into all aspects of the country’s national development.
“The Gambia pledges to embed gender equality in every policy and development plan,” Kinteh declared, marking a clear directive for the country’s governance strategy.
The Minister outlined the work of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, which has been instrumental in developing transformative national policies and frameworks, such as the Gender Policy for 2025-2034 and the National Gender and Women Empowerment Policy. These policies form the foundation for addressing gender inequalities and ensuring women’s rights are central to national progress.
Legal reforms, including laws against gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and violence, have also been enacted to protect women’s rights and promote gender parity in the workplace and society. Minister Kinteh underscored that these efforts are part of a broader, collaborative approach involving civil society, NGOs, and international bodies to create an inclusive environment, where all voices are heard.
The CSW69 session, which runs from March 10 to March 21, 2025, will see government officials, UN entities, and NGOs deliberate on global strategies for gender equality.
