Top UN official Tasks Gambian Women to Endeavour for Gender Equality

By: Mariama Njie

UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia has tasked women of the country to endeavour for gender equality in order to make goal a reality in this decade.

Speaking under the theme of celebration Ms Seraphine Wakana challenged all women on this International Women’s Day celebration to join generation equality and contribute in the various platforms and serve as professional and personal to push the fight for gender equality.

According to her,  at primary and upper Basic school’s education level, registration of girls has increased, nutrition sensitive intervention has enhanced the academic performance of the girls while female genital mutilation in the younger generation (0-14) declined from 75% to 49% in 2018.

She disclosed that 2020 marks the beginning of accelerated efforts towards achieving gender equality in the country and a beginning of the decade of action for accelerated partnerships with government, civil society and individual to ensure that voices of women are not just heard but amplified value in decision making, she said.

“We call this year ‘Generation Equality’ because we are mobilizing to advocate for women’s rights with the leadership of civil society and other stakeholders and to mark 25 years of implementing the Beijing platform for action,” she stated.

She concluded that it is concerted efforts that are needed to bring women to the table, to allow women to speak up against all discrimination and stigma they face.