Banjul, 10th March 2025: The Gambia joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), marked annually on March 8th. For some, international women’s day is about fighting for women’s rights. For others, IWD is about reinforcing key commitments, while for some IWD is about celebrating successes of women across the world.
On Friday, March 7th Gambian women leaders led the nation’s women and men in a colourful parade at the Memorial Arch in Banjul to celebrate and recognise women’s efforts, struggles, and achievements and successes across national, ethic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political boundaries.
This day sheds light on persisting gender disparities, and champions women’s rights in political, social, and economic spheres.
The First Lady of the Republic, Madam Fatou Bah Barrow, was on the ground in Banjul grace the occasion and share words of encouragement and solidarity to the cause of women. She noted the values of self-reliance, equity and sustainable development for Gambian. This she said requires strategic plans and effective policies to immensely reduce poverty, promote inclusivity and opportunities for women and girls, especially women with disabilities.
In an interview during the celebrations in Banjul, Neneh Touray, Deputy Director, Directorate of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, affirmed that the day aims to assess and celebrate women’s achievements, identify their challenges and paves the way-forward for possible interventions.
She said the objective is for stakeholders to have a comprehensive understanding of gender issues, and determine priority areas to empower and elevate women. She stressed that they are still battling with gender-based violence, and pointed out the need to mainstream gender equality into all sectoral policies, programmes, and activities.
“If you look at the statistics, especially the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Platform for Action, it shows that women are still lacking behind when it comes to decision-making processes. Example our Gambia National Assembly, where there is less than 6% women and other key sectors like the economy in which less women participate. There is the need to have more women participation in decision-making processes, especially politics, because that is where most of the decision-making takes place,” she stressed.
For Honorable Serign Modou Njie, Minister of Defence, his ministry has demonstrated commitment to women empowerment and gender parity by developing a gender policy, focusing on women’s participation in global peace and security; especially in mediation efforts.
Commenting on the IWD, the Defence Minister described the day as significant and symbolic, and that it would help prioritise areas of women empowerment.
He acknowledged that women have greatly impacted developments in The Gambia, citing the high women participation in the country’s peacekeeping missions.
The Minister of Gender, Women, Children and Social Welfare, Madam Fatou Kinteh, said International Women’s Day is a day of reflection on advocacy and youth commitment to breaking barriers and inclusive society in their quest for gender equality and justice.
Minister Kinteh said as they celebrates this day every march 8th however, they must also pay attention to people with disabilities, who often encounter component forms of discrimination and exclusion.
She reaffirmed that women and girls with disabilities creates unique form of barriers to education, employment, business, community development, healthcare and political participation, and they are more likely to experience gender-based-violence and economic hardship. She said beside these challenges, they continue to exercise resilience and strength, and immensely contribute to development of societies.
Gender Minster states that the rights of women and girls with disabilities are fundamental human rights and the government of the Gambia has made a significant stride to promoting gender equality and disability inclusion, but there is still much work to be done as a nation.
We must ensure the voices of persons with disability are heard, she stressed, adding that their rights should be protected, and their contributions should be treated with swiftness and this means acting implementing policies and promote accessibility, equal opportunities, and protection from all forms of discrimination, and violence.
For her part, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, Madam Fatou Bah Barrow, dilated on issues of self-reliance, equitability and sustainable development, which she said, requires strategic plans and effective policies to immensely reduce poverty, pointing out the need for inclusive policies and opportunities for women and girls, especially women with disabilities.
Other speakers includes UN representative, and Lord Mayor, Banjul. Both expressed similar sentiments in celebrating International Women’s Day. Also in attendance are representatives from the UNDP and other women organisation across The Gambia.
By Kumba Leigh
First Lady Advocates Inclusive Policies to Support Women with Disabilities - As Gambia Celebrates Women’s Day
