By: Christian Conteh

The country’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried police brutality against a civilian describing it as unacceptable. 

This is in direct response to an incident that occurred yesterday 10th March 2022 where a group of Police Intervention Unit Officers in full riot gears were caught on camera as they kicked and beat an unarmed, non-threatening civilian with batons all over his body.

The Commission notes that it wishes to state in no uncertain terms that,

“no person, in particular law enforcement officers, has the right to torture, beat, injure or harm another regardless of the provocation. The Commission has also contacted the Office of the Inspector General of Police to raise its concerns. The actions of these Police Officers are condemnable, inhumane, degrading and, above all, a flagrant violation of human rights.” 

A Police Officer it further states is not only a guardian of the law but is also expected, as a duty bearer, to respect and protect the human rights of all people, including those who are even suspected of breaking the law. 

“By the adoption in 2020 of the Guidelines on Policing Public Assemblies in The Gambia, the Gambia Police has placed upon itself the obligation to put in place mechanisms and standards for the peaceful management of assemblies and demonstrations. Having a group of officers acting contrary to the spirit of the Guidelines is both disheartening and disturbing,” the press release reads. 

The Commission used the opportunity to as usual reiterate its unequivocal position against impunity and every form of human rights violation. Police brutality it says has no place in a democratic dispensation. Due process and rule of law are expected to be followed when a person breaks or is suspected of breaking the law. 

The Human Rights Commission went on to call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately identify and bring to book the Police Officers who are in the video assaulting the civilian. Indicating that they have violated the law and should therefore be punished accordingly. 

While the commission reminds all law enforcement officers that they have a duty to respect and protect human rights and that they would be held accountable for any human rights violation committed whether under command or not, it also urges everyone to always be law-abiding, uphold the rule of law and follow due process when aggrieved. 

By: Christian Conteh

Dr Ismaila Sesay of the Citizens’ Alliance Party (CA) has openly condemned the high handedness of The Gambia Police Force. His condemnation came after police officers manhandled supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) during yesterday’s nomination exercise.

UDP supporters attempted to force their way into the electoral body’s premise in Brikama an attempt which the police reacted to with tear gas and beating. 

The Gambia politician however, encouraged citizens to always be disciplined and law-abiding and follow legal processes where they feel injured or that their rights have been violated.

“We condemn all forms of police brutality regardless of perpetrator or victim. We urge The Gambia police to always exercise restraint and act within the confines of the law when maintaining public order. We advise all citizens to always be disciplined and law-abiding and follow legal processes where they feel injured or that their rights have been violated. Trust in the judicial process is the bedrock of a peaceful society,” Dr Ceesay said.

Dr Ceesay was the flagbearer for the Citizens’ Alliance Party (CA) but could not participate in the December 4th 2021 Presidential Election after his nomination was rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

He went to court to challenge the decision. The court ruled in his favour and set a very important judicial precedent in the country’s electoral history.

By: Christian Conteh

Another legal mind in the person of M. Robertson Roberts Esq has agreed with lawyer Ousainou Darboe Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) that Momodou Sabally’s disqualification was not in line with constitutional provisions, thus making the process fundamentally flawed.

Lending his legal opinion Lawyer Roberts said the procedure adopted to disqualify Momodou Sabally Is flawed and he thinks it must be set aside.

“Indeed, the Returning Officer has abused and outstripped his mandate by leaps and bounds. The procedure adopted by the returning officer is so flawed that any decision that emanates thereof should be set aside like rotten meat,” he said.

He further noted that no returning officer has the right, power or legal mandate to reject the candidacy of a Parliamentary contestant outrightly by stating that that person has been adversely mentioned in a Commission of Enquiry.

This he emphasises is certainly not what section 90(1) (E) of the country’s constitution states.

Infact, he maintained that the Returning Officer went on to state that this was his decision and not the decision of the IEC. And gave Momodou Sabally 48hrs to write to the IEC to challenge this decision.

“This is preposterous nonsense and the law deals with procedures and forms, and this should be the basis of a challenge at the courts. Who is this returning officer and what makes him think he possesses such a right to disqualify a candidate on his own accord, on the spot and based on his own individual understanding of the Constitutional provisions of Section 90 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia,” Lawyer Roberts opined.

The learned counsel further noted that when Mr. Sabally quizzed him (the IEC Returning Officer) he said he made the decision on his own accord,

“No No this is my decisoin”! (I refer you to the video on the Fatu Network). 

“Who are you Mr. Returning officer to make such a decision?” Lawyer Robert asks.

He stressed that the event of yesterday Thursday 10th March 2022 must be the basis of a legal challenge in the courts.

“Let the courts tell us if this is how the law must be applied and interpreted. That an unknown returning officer sitting under the blazing heat in Brikama can now make pronouncements on such constitutional matters of his own volition.”

“If you a returning officer possesses such monumental powers then what powers have the courts? Why then is an appeal pending in our courts when you Mr. Returning officer with absolutely no legal qualifications can give a blanket interpretation of a constitutional provision linking it to the findings of a constitution,” he further asked.

The matter continues to generate heated debate across the political divide, with various lawyers lending their legal opinion to the issue.

By Sainabou Sambou

The United Democratic Party (UDP) yesterday submitted nomination papers for several candidates contesting in the April 2022 National Assembly Elections.

At Kanifing the aspiring candidates promised to fight against corruption in the Gambia when they get elected to the house of representatives.

Yahya Sanyang an aspirant for Latrikunda Sabiji said he is optimistic that he will be accepted by the IEC because he has fulfilled all the criteria that the IEC asked for.

He said the Gambia is at a very sad stage right now and he feels that people like him must step up and play a role in changing the situation. He expressed optimism about winning the April election.

“I will fight corruption if I win because there is 100% corruption in this country, and we need to stop that,” he said.

Assan Touray an aspirant for Bakau said he has brought a lot of development to his community and if he is re-elected, he will continue to bring the same development in his constituency and the Gambia at large.

“I am very sure that when I will have been re-elected into office for the second time, I will fight corruption and make sure that the Anti-Corruption bill is tabled in the National Assembly” he stated.

Ya Kumba Jaiteh an aspirant for Serekunda said if she is re-elected into office, she will make sure that the laws are put into order and also ensure she supports a new constitution for the Gambia.

Madi Ceesay an aspirant for Serekunda west, Musa Badjie an aspirant for Tallinding kunjang, Bakary Njie for Bundungka Kunda constituency and others made similar commitments.

Opposition Leader Ousainou Darboe has accused the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of deliberately and illegally rejecting the nomination papers of one of its National Assembly picks Momodou Sabally.

Darboe was speaking at a presser held on Thursday evening. He alleged that the IEC rejection of the nomination papers of Sabally is a calculated ploy to help the governing National People’s Party (NPP) win the National Assembly Elections slated for early next month.

“We want to put this out to the world and to say that IEC is at it again. IEC is at it again to help the NPP win and there could be no clear indication of that than what this returning officer has done,” Darboe said.

The decision is already a topical issue of debate across the country.

By Sarjo Brito

Momodou Sabally’s rejection by the Independent Electoral Commission has ignited a debate on selective justice in The Gambia. Momodou Sabally’s National Assembly bid was cut short during the filing of his nomination papers in Brikama West Coast Region where officials of the IEC told him the reason for his disqualification was because he was adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission report. The decision of the IEC has since been met with different opinions, with some accusing the Barrow government of cherry-picking people who the commission’s recommendations apply to and not.

‘’A government white paper is not Law. It is a policy document. Only the courts can give it the force of law. It is for that same reason that the courts rejected the legality of the selling of Jammeh’s assets by the Ministry of Justice and deemed it illegal. If the IEC is now rejecting Sabally then it means they have acted outside the remit of the Law. If lawyer Darboe was accepted as a presidential candidate there is absolutely no reason that sabally should be rejected. Both were found wanting by a Commission of Inquiry. You cannot accept Lawyer Darboes nomination and reject that of Momodou Sabally’’ – Melville Roberts argues

‘’What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander. If Sabally Momodou is disqualified, then the president should do himself a favour and dismiss some of his cabinet ministers named in the Janneh Commission report. Some people might see this partisan but we’re treading in dangerous waters. The President is there for all Gambians and should not be allowed to score political points by people’’—Dawda Ceesay

Momodou Sabally and his supporters alike have accused the Independent Electoral Commission of using Janneh Commissions adverse finding to target him while having other people serving Ministerial positions who have equally been found wanting by a commission. while his supporters come to his defence, others believe Sabally’s disqualification is clearly justified in the 1997 Constitution.

‘’Section 90(1)e of the Constitution is very clear with regards to Sabally’s disqualification. It states: No person shall be qualified for election as a member of The National Assembly if he or she

“has been found by the report of a commission or committee of inquiry (the proceedings of which have been held and published in accordance with the relevant law) to be incompetent to hold public office by reason of having acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State or misused or abused his or her office, or wilfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the State, and the findings have not been set aside on appeal or judicial review”.

‘’There’s no ambiguity in this provision. Sabally isn’t qualified. Public office means any national, state, or local governmental position of public trust and responsibility, whether elective or appointive, which is created or prescribed or recognized by constitution, statute, or ordinance’’—PDOIS’S Sulayman Bokar Bah wrote.

By Sarjo Brito

Momodou Sabally, National Assembly aspirant for Busumbala Constituency under the UDP ticket has been rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission. Sabally’s disqualification according to one of the IEC presiding officers is due to his name being adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission report and his subsequent ban by the Barrow government from holding public office.

“We have gone through all the documents that you’ve submitted and that’s why we have received your nomination and a list that you both signed indicating everything that you submitted. So, we have to go through the whole process and check through everything to make sure everything is intact. Unfortunately, like it’s stated clearly in the copy that was in the nomination form, the guidelines to the nomination, you have qualifications and disqualifications. Now according to Section 90 (1)(e), it’s clearly stated that because you’ve been adversely mentioned at the commission and the subsequent process, you have been disqualified’’

Given 48 hours to appeal the decision of the IEC, Momodou Sabally responded to the Independent Electoral Commission’s decision, accusing the institution of being used as a tool to oppress people like him who have not been found wanting by any court of law.

‘’I have appealed against the adverse findings of the commission and that process is on. So, what authority do you have to override a process that’s higher than you constitutionally of the republic of The Gambia? I don’t think you have the right to do that. I think you are abusing your office and that’s completely unacceptable in a democratic transition. I think you are being used as a tool to oppress an innocent Gambian who has not been found wanting by any court of law’’

By: Christian Conteh

The National Assembly Member who has over the years refused to accept an official vehicle and a plot of land is seeking re-election to represent the people of Banjul North.

Honourable Ousman Sillah from People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Thursday morning.

“I have been offered vehicles and land, but I have refused to take it because I believe those resources must go to my people who need them most. I am a servant of the people, so I am not expected to be living above them, so I have to be living like them, that is the rationale,” Hon Sillah said.

He went on to reiterate that over the years he has complied with Section 112 of the constitution which calls for him to uphold the highest standards. It is on this basis that he seeks re-election.

Hon Sillah has been using public transport for the past four years, since his election to the National Assembly in April 2017.

By: Sainabou Sambou

Parliamentary Aspirants for the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDIOS) have today submitted nomination papers to contest in the April 2022 National Assembly Elections. 

At Kanifing the aspiring candidates said they will make sure that the draft constitution and the Anti-Corruption Bill become law.

Musa Cham an aspirant for Serekunda Constituency said he is very proud to replace Honorable Halifa Sallah in the National Assembly, he described Halifa as a man of integrity and honesty.

“Our party is known for integrity I’m here to offer myself to the electorates and serve them with honesty. We will emerge victorious, the Serrekunda people are informed citizens and if I’m elected as PDOIS candidate I will be guided by our party principles” he said.

He expressed optimism that he will win the parliamentary election and will make sure that the Anti-Corruption Bill and other bills are passed by the house. He added that he was the former councillor for Serrekunda ward and has done many projects both in his constituency and Serrekunda at large.

Fatou Sowe an aspirant for Serekunda West Constituency also said if she wins the National Assembly Election, she will make sure that the Anti-Corruption bill is passed.

“I will work on the PDIOS transformative agender and have a development fund. I will contribute five thousand dalasis every month for the development of Serekunda West and Serekunda at large.”

Aminata Correa an aspirant for Latrikunda Serekunda said if she wins, she will make sure that they look at the draft constitution, the disability bill, the Anti-Corruption bill and the women’s bills.

“I have participated in my community and also in politics since 2016. My participation is not only restricted in my constituency I have served the nation over the years and I think I have shown the Gambian people what it means to represent them in parliament “she said.

Ebrima K Ceesay another aspirant for Tallinding said there are things that they need as a community especially a health centre and a proper water system. These things he said will be his priority when elected to the National Assembly.

President Adama Barrow has on Wednesday received H.E. Ma Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia with the two leaders committing to strengthen the countries bilateral relations. 

Speaking after meeting President Barrow, Ambassador Jianchun said he extended Chinese President Xi Jinping’s best wishes to President Barrow for a successful second term in office. He said China is looking towards building on the successes of its relationship with The Gambia in the last five years. 

Ambassador Jianchun highlighted the many development projects and cooperation agreements between the Gambia and China such as agriculture, health and infrastructural development, as areas for continued growth.

Ambassador Jianchun also noted the cooperation agreement signed between the two countries last year that will provide over a billion-dalasi worth of development projects for the Gambia. 

He also talked about how The Gambia and China will build on strategies to boost economic recovery post the Covid-19 pandemic. Ambassador Jianchun presented a painting encompassing the Great Wall in China.

By: Christian Conteh 

The National Assembly Member who is seeking re-election for Banjul North has said that one of the things he will ensure he does when re-elect is continuing to support the promulgation of a new progressive constitution in the Gambia.

Honourable Ousman Sillah was speaking to The Fatu Network immediately after submitting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

He revealed that although he and the majority of Members of Parliament supported the call for a new constitution, they couldn’t get the threshold number to get the desired result.

“I have been a key advocate for constitutional reforms, the majority voted for a new constitution, but we did not get the threshold needed to complete the process,” Honorable Ousman Sillah said.

He further noted that he seeks re-election so as to accompany Banjul North into achieving what they should achieve.

“I was elected in 2017 to serve my people, I have delivered to the best of my ability, I have participated in every parliamentary session. I will continue what I have done,” he said.

The executive of the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) has announced the suspension of four more schools from participating in this year’s athletics competition. This follows the suspension of nine schools earlier on Monday.

The schools that are affected are Bansang Upper and Senior Secondary School, (the winners of the Regional Athletic Heats for Schools in Region 5-6) for using unqualified athletes. St. Charles Lwanga, Mayork, Farefenni Senior and Sinchu Baliya, all for the use of ineligible athletes.

Meanwhile, St Michael, Carter, Tallinding Upper, Brikama Upper and Senior Secondary School could all face similar sanctions if they are found guilty of any wrongdoing by the ongoing investigation.

The association urges members of the public to volunteer to come up with names of any unqualified athlete (s) who may have participated in the heats or the national championship.

This they say will go a long way in eradicating cheating in school sports.

They may even strip schools of their medals and trophies if they are found wanting for cheating even after the competition the association says.

By: Sainabou Sambou

The National People’s Party (NPP) has today submitted nomination papers for its candidates contesting in the April 2022 National Assembly Elections. At Kanifing the aspiring candidates have expressed their determination to win the elections in their various constituencies. 

Assan Dampha is an NPP aspirant for Bakau Constituency he said he is optimistic that he will win this year’s parliamentary election.

“My reason for contesting this year’s national assembly election is to bring development to Bakau and also help the youths,” he said.

He further noted that he was able to work with many youths whilst serving as the secretary-general of katichikally youth development an organisation that aims at empowering young people.

Saikou Morong another aspirant opting for a National Assembly seat to represent the people of Latrikunda Sabiji under the NPP ticket said over the past five years they have debated and passed a lot of bills in the House of Parliament, including the access to information bill among over 50 others. 

“If I am re-elected, I will perform my duty in ensuring all those bills are implemented. I am optimistic that I will win the upcoming national assembly election” he said.

Mustapha Lowe is another NPP aspirant seeking to represent the people of Serrekunda west, he said he has been in politics for over thirty (30) years. 

“I was the youngest politician in the Gambia during the NCP and PPP,” he said.

Fatou K Jawara the NPP aspirant for Tallinding said she is optimistic that she will win the parliamentary election, indicating that this is not the first time for her to Contest for the national assembly to represent the people of Tallinding. 

 “I have succeeded in providing streetlights to Tallinding among several other developments,” she said.

By Amara Thoronka

National Human Right Commission (NHRC) of The Gambia has in its 2021 Presidential Election Monitoring Report condemned the participation of children during the campaign period of political parties for last year’s presidential race.

Presenting the report at the commission’s national secretariat in Kotu, Chairperson of NHRC Emmanuel Daniel Joof said, in their monitoring, the commission found out that school-going children were seen in campaign activities.

“There were students in school uniforms or party T-shirts at the rallies of some of the political parties and/or presidential candidates.”

Mr. Joof entreated political parties and aspirants to desist from using or allowing children in their political activities as they (children) are under the age of consent and should therefore not be exposed to such.

He recommended for government to sensitize parents before and during electoral cycle, on children protection and why children should be prevented from attending political events.

Similarly, NHRC called on the  Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to enhance the effective and convenient participation of persons with disability (PWDs) during voter registration and polling, disclosing that some of the registration and voting centers were not disability friendly.

“Political parties/candidates should provide sign language interpretation during campaign events and allocate designated areas for PWDs to enhance their access to campaign venues, particularly in highly populated areas” NHRC recommended to political parties and independent candidates.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Regional Office of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Brikama, West Coast Region, today received nomination credentials from seven (7) National Assembly Candidates under the ticket of the National Peoples Party (NPP) and one Independent Aspirant for Foni Bondali Constituency.

The candidates presented their nomination credentials and some immediately received their acceptance letters from the IEC. The certified candidates include Hon. Saikouba Jarju, Busumbala Constituency, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, Old Yundum Constituency and Hon. Baba Galleh Jallow, Sanneh Menterreng.

Meanwhile Lamin Bojang, Aspirant Candidate Brikama North, Mamadou Bojang, Kombo South, Malanding B Jabang, Brikama South, Essa Dampha, Kombo East, and Ousman Jallow Independent Aspirant for Foni Bondali Constituency are waiting for their acceptance letters from the IEC.

Responding to questions asked by the media, Honorable Saikouba Jarju, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Busumbala Constituency who is seeking re-election under the NPP ticket says his people are willing to re-elect him, adding that he has contributed immensely to the development of his Constituency since he was elected in 2017.

“I have brought a lot of development projects to my community within the past five years,” Honorable Saikouba Jarju said.

“I have represented my people very well and this is why they are fully supporting me so I can serve them for the next five years. I have dug boreholes for many communities in my Constituency. When I was elected in 2017 my people only hoped that I could assist them, but today they have seen what I have done for them.”

Speaking further, Honorable Jarju says he is optimistic that none of his opponents will challenge him in the parliamentary election. Adding that their role as parliamentarians is to represent the people and called on all to maintain peace and unity during and after the election.

For Honorable Abdoulie Ceesay, NAM for Old Yundum addressing the challenges of his peoples remains his priority. He reassured the people of Old Yundum that he will do more of re-elected as their representative.

“I am very sure that the people of my Constituency are behind me,” he said.

“They have seen the development projects that I brought to the community. I have acquired sponsorship for many students in the community and empowered the women in various areas.”

He added that he is optimistic that he will be nominated to contest in the election. He renewed his commitment to serving the people of his constituency.

Ensa Dampha, National Assembly Aspirant for Kombo East said he has been into community development projects before venturing into politics.

“I want to represent my people because I realise that they have not been represented well for the past years,” he said.

“I have been into youth empowerment and I know if I am elected, I can do more for my people.”

On his part, Ousman Jallow Independent Aspirant for Foni Bondali told journalists that he wants to help in the development of the country, particularly his constituency.

He added that he has been into youth empowerment for several years like many others.

The court of appeal will play host to the state as it files an appeal against the high court ruling involving General Badjie and two military officers who were let go by the court.

The case involving the State vs Lt. Gen. Sulayman Badjie, which is now before the Court of Appeal attracted lots of attention after his arbitrary arrest when he came into the country.

The appeal process has been initiated since the state still thinks Lieutenant General Sulayman Badjie, Major Landing Tamba and Warrant Officer Class 1 Musa Badjie should be kept in detention whilst investigations into their alleged conduct is being investigated. 

In the High Court earlier on Justice Zainab Jawara-Alami ruled that the application seeking to keep the accused persons in custody is turned down and their immediate release is ordered. 

The State describes the ruling as unreasonable and notes that it cannot be sustained taking into consideration the nature of the case. The State in its prayer asked the Appeals Court to set aside the high court ruling.

“The high court judge erred in law as she failed to consider that section 19 subsection 3 of the Constitution as a general guideline. This provision of the Constitution is only a guideline as to the period of legality with respect to how long a person or suspect can be detained by an investigative authority in connection with a crime,” the State contends.

The particulars of the error indicate that the State submitted that the trial judge failed to consider that the purpose of practice directive number 5 is to effectively abolish the use of holding charge and in effect give legitimacy to judicial sanctioned detentions without a formal charge.

The State in its prayer asks the Court of Appeal to make a declaration that practice directive 5 paragraph 4 of 2013 and section 19(4) of the Constitution permit the detention of persons suspected of having committed an offence beyond 72 hours pending further investigation and without a formal charge.

By: Sainabou Sambou 

8th March every year is International Women’s Day. A day devoted to celebrating the achievement of women and seeking gender equality. Today Gambian women have as part of the celebrations expressed mixed feelings about the current state of the country, while some are happy that women are being celebrated many express frustration at the high cost of living.

Jamila Kandeh is a businesswoman who sells in one of the local markets speaking to The Fatu Network She expressed how tired she is with the current state of affairs.

“Business is very slow for Gambian women. Sometimes we go to the market without making any sales,” she said.

“We used to buy a basket of fish at two thousand dalasis (D 2,000) but now a basket of fish costs ten thousand dalasis (D10,000), fifteen thousand (D15,000) or even twenty thousand dalasis (D20,000). If you buy a basket of fish at that cost when you sell you won’t make any profit.”

She further revealed that sometimes they sell fish for only three days due to the slow nature of the business.

“Everything is expensive the cost of living is very expensive. A bag of rice, onion and oil are very expensive even the poor cannot readily afford it, something needs to be done,” she lamented.

She further revealed that the country lacks adequate provision to cater for sick people. 

“If you take your family member to the hospital you will be the one to pay for everything and it is very expensive. If you are a pregnant woman and you give birth you have to pay some good sum of money before you get good treatment. we are suffering and we need help.”

Shona Joof another businesswoman encouraged women to help themselves if they have no one to help them. 

“If they know that they don’t have help from anyone they can still manage and do something on their own,” she said.

“I will advise my fellow women to go out and do a business to help themselves and help pay school fees for their children.”

On her part, Fatoumatta Tambdou expressed happiness as the world celebrates international women’s day. She said women do a lot towards enhancing national Development and women are all over the places working. 

“I was a student of Gaye Jorro and I have completed my course now I have my own business I don’t put my trust on any man, I will advise my fellow women to go out and work and let them not put their trust on any man,” she said. 

Marlisa Samuel encouraged women to engage in learning skills like tailoring and hairdressing, she said learning skills can also reduce the prevalence of prostitution in the Gambia.

Avia Moijoy is a woman who sells popcorn at the Brusubi turntable she said women are working very hard across the country to feed their children.

“I know the hands are not equal but if they are able to work and do something for themselves that is good. Everyone can’t work in an office you need to try and do something sitting at home folding your hand waiting on your husband to bring something will not solve the problems at home, at least if you are working you can support your husband by providing money for fish,” she said.

By: Christian Conteh

The United Nations (UN) has on International Women’s Day 2022 pledged to continue to work with the Government of The Gambia to protect the rights of women, fight harmful traditional practices and reduce gender disparities. A statement by Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator has said.

Over the years, the institution says it has registered many successes, but noted that it can and must do more. 

“We must work together to eliminate gender stereotypes and gender-based violence. We must educate, promote positive role models, and raise awareness at all levels of decision-making to support the rights of women,” the statement read.

The UN has also been working with the government and other partners including development actors, the private sector and civil society to enhance the capacities of women to increase their competitiveness. 

“We will continue to advocate for and support more training and mentorship opportunities, access to digital technologies, gender-responsive public procurement, cross border trade, export development and green growth. We will also continue to support the empowerment of women and girls as agents of change to innovate and build a better tomorrow.”

The UN says as the Gambia joins other nations to celebrate International Women’s Day, it is everyone’s collective duty to pave the way for women, particularly the most underprivileged, to build a fairer and more equal future.  

“This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” challenges us all to stand up for equal rights and opportunities for women and men as a guarantee for a future where every girl and boy can grow and reach their full potential. It also encourages us to work together with women and girls and push policymakers to address the climate crisis, develop green jobs and build a more just and sustainable world.”

International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate the incredible contribution of women to society and a reminder of the challenges they face to access quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. 

Today and every day the UN says there is a need to advocate for a more gender-equal society and strengthen partnerships to support the rights of every woman and girl.