By: Haruna Kuyateh
The General Council of Kerewan Area Council (KAC) has passed a resolution to ensure the remaining five districts in the North Bank Region include women in district tribunals.
It also agreed to double their allowances to enhance effective service delivery.
Meanwhile, Action Aid International-The Gambia and UNFPA recently organized a series of advocacy activities in their quest for women’s inclusion in district tribunals.
The campaign targeted chiefs, governors, chairpersons of local councils and districts’ tribunal members.
The Deputy Governor of North Bank Region, DemboSamateh, praised Action Aid International-The Gambia for their efforts in promoting and protecting women’s rights. Deputy governor Samateh said the regional authorities ‘’are in support’’ of women’s inclusion in district tribunals as members.
The CEO and chairman of Kerewan Area Council Madam Sainabou Martin-Sonko and Papa Tunkara, respectively underscored council’s commitment to women’s empowerment drive and described the campaign as important to fair dispensation of justice.
The duo gave the assurance of council’s resolve to strengthen and empower district tribunals.
The Women Rights and Governance Manager at Action Aid International-The Gambia, Tabou Njie Sarr, reiterated the importance of the second leg of the caravan, targeting chairpersons of local councils and governors by soliciting their support and recognition.
She explained that the campaign was funded by UNFPA Human Security and Peace Building Fund geared towards protecting women from all forms of Gender-Based Violence and to enhance social cohesion and economic development.
Madam Sarr described the nationwide tour as successful, noting that the governors, chairpersons of local councils and CEOs have all endorsed the call for women’s inclusion in district tribunals as members.
She thanked regional authorities in NBR, CRR, URR, LRR and WCR for their solidarity and understanding about the protection of women and the need for fair dispensation of justice on inheritance and peaceful settlement of conflicts at household level.
