By Sarjo M. Camara
International Day of the Girl Child was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 to recognise the unique challenges girls face world wide and to promote their rights. It emerged from the global women’s right movement and the need to address gender disparities and discrimination that affect girls’ lives. Since inception, international Day of the Girl Child has gained momentum, with various organisations and advocates working together to empower girls, eliminate gender-based violence, and ensure equal opportunities for all children.
The Gambia has recently joined the rest of the world to commemorate the Day under the theme ‘’Girls Vision for the future”. The Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare Fatou S Kinteh, while gracing the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child said being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go or who you can become. “But right now, this is the reality for millions of girls across the world.many are left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny girls their rights, restricted their choices and limit their features”.
She noted that both the society and girls grow together, and a prosperous society depends on the bright future of the children including girls. “With the idea of inclusion, we have more chances to work collaboratively for the welfare of our girls. There are many societies where women and girls are struggling with equal rights and equity. Our objective of integration is therefore, aimed at encouraging their narrative and bringing all our girl children under one flag of social inclusion,” she stated. This Theme urges the public to take action to realise a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered. The commemoration coincides with the graduation of 20 rural girls, including people with disability that participated in five days’ boot camp, organised by Catch Them Young, with UNICEF and UNFPA’s support.
According to UN Resident Coordinator “It is more than just a training programme – it is a catalyst for transformation. For five days, these twenty rural girls, including those with disabilities, will not merely dream of a better future; they will actively shape it. This inclusive approach is a clear manifestation of our unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind and delivering programmes that will shape lives today, tomorrow and forever. He said this is an extraordinary initiative that exemplifies our commitment to girls’ empowerment in The Gambia. He said the boot camp represents a beacon of hope and transformation for twenty young women from our rural communities.
“The statistics we face are concerning: nearly one in five girls not completing lower secondary education, 90% of girls and women lacking internet access, and the devastating reality that three in four new HIV infections among adolescents affect girls. Yet, in the face of these challenges, I see unprecedented determination to create change,” he noted. It is more than just a training programme – it is a catalyst for transformation. For five days, these twenty rural girls, including those with disabilities, will not merely dream of a better future; they will actively shape it. This inclusive approach is a clear manifestation of our unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind and delivering programmes that will shape lives today, tomorrow and forever.
What makes this initiative particularly compelling is its comprehensive approach to empowerment. From building leadership skills to understanding fundamental rights, from exploring STEM careers to mastering coding skills – we are equipping these young women with the digital tools and competencies needed for the 21st century. “To you girls, you represent not just your communities, but the unlimited potential of every girl child in The Gambia. Your presence here signals the beginning of a journey that will ripple through generations. As you engage with successful women leaders, learn about your rights, discover coding and technology, and explore new possibilities in STEM and entrepreneurship, remember that you are not just participants – you are pioneers”. The Resident Coordinator in The Gambia pledges to be not just an advocate but an active catalyst for change, ensuring that girls’ empowerment remains at the heart of our development agenda.
