By: Kemo Kanyi
Child Fund The Gambia has officially presented its Mapping Report of Women Groups within Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to members of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD). The presentation took place on Saturday at Metzy Hotel.
The report is the result of a comprehensive mapping exercise aimed at identifying, supporting, and strengthening Women Groups Living with Disabilities (WGLDs) across The Gambia.
It highlights key issues such as fragmentation, lack of coordination among women’s disability groups, and offers actionable recommendations to improve the lives of women and girls with disabilities.
Fanta Darboe, a representative of Child Fund The Gambia, stated that the initiative is part of the UNFPA’s joint programme against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). She noted that one of the programme’s aims is to build the capacity of individuals and institutions to address the discrimination, harmful social norms, and systemic injustices affecting marginalized communities.
“We want to ensure inclusion is central in everything we do,” Darboe said. “When advocating for equality, it’s vital to bring those affected to the forefront so they can speak on the issues impacting them directly.”
Darboe emphasized Child Fund’s commitment to inclusivity, stressing that their approach respects all individuals regardless of background. “There is no discrimination whether against women, children, youth, or others. We are working to create an environment of equality for everyone.”
Muhammed Krubally, Chairman of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, reiterated the Federation’s mission to represent and protect the rights and dignity of all persons with disabilities. He emphasized the importance of partnerships, particularly with organizations that share the Federation’s goals.
“Our Federation acknowledges the unique rights and needs of women with disabilities,” Krubally said. “We are actively working to influence policies, legislation, and other frameworks that protect and promote these rights.”
He also referenced Article 6 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which obliges state parties, including The Gambia, to ensure that the rights of women with disabilities are upheld and advanced at all levels.
