Leading Gambian women from all works of life were the guest of the US Ambassador to the Gambia, H.E. C. Patricia Alsup on Friday, March 11, 2016 as part of activities to celebrate the international women’s day. The women were invited as a result of their contributions in the Gambia particularly in women related issues. Some of the invited guests at the residence of the US Ambassador in Fajara (about 20 in number) are artists, agriculture specialists, entrepreneurs, politicians, activists, educationists, journalists, members of security forces, among others. Some of the women described their chosen careers as coincidental while others attributed it to choice.
The occasion included an interactive session which lasted for about two hours, during which various topics came up such as role and contribution of women in national development, challenges facing women in politics, sexual abuse, women and democracy, woman to woman violence, education and mentoring among other issues.
After a brief debate on problems faced by Gambian women in politics, it was agreed that once the young people take over, “we will reach there”. Some suggested that women have to do away with the fear factor that has been besetting their effective participation in politics. For this reason, it was clearly spelt out that much needs to be done for women to work with fellow women to organize themselves and focus on issues that further their cause.
It was suggested that since there is a huge presence of Gambian women in social and online media, it should now an urgent priority to get them mobilized to be part of a grand sensitization drive to ensure that women and youth empowerment issues are put on the map.
During the discussions the issue of women and child rights featured prominently where some prominent women narrated the problem of rape and child molestation in The Gambian society but issues which are always brushed under the carpet. One of the invitees who happens to be a daughter of a former prominent politician in the Gambian even recounted how she was molested by her uncle and subsequently sexually abused elsewhere.
Present at the US Embassy organized event included Amie Bojang- Sissoho of GAMCOTRAP, Jainaba Nyang-Njie, Haddy Badjie of Radio Gambia, Amie Sillah-Sarr of PDOIS, Sarjo Camara-Singhateh of FOROYAA, Ndey Fatou Ceesay (a DESIGNER), Awa Fofana (MAMA AFRICA), an Artist, Matida Daffeh of Girl’s Agenda.
