By: Binta Jaiteh
ActionAid The Gambia, a charitable organisation recently trained twenty five youth leaders on human rights base approach.
The training held at Nuimi Albreda, North Bank Region aimed towards building capacities of young people on fundamental human rights approach and feminist leadership.
The coordinator for Hakalang Kafo Bakary Njie stated that the initiative was from the United Nation Peace Building Project for the empowerment of youth in decision making processes.
According to him, youths should be empowered so as to have peaceful society. “The society should be sensitive when it comes to right based issues. There are so many unjust practices going on in the country,” he stressed.
Mariama Secka a participant said the training was crucial as far as youth matters are concerned in the country.
“We feel it necessary to train this youth on human rights based approach. We are anticipating that the training will be impactful to the society. When youths are well educated it will help foster peace,” she noted.
She pointed out that the importance of the training by Action Aid cannot be overemphasized looking at the current situation of the country.
“Youths should be informed using the human rights approach to development activities. Decision making is important because it determines the affairs of the state,” she emphasized.
Ms Secka expressed the hope that the training will arm her with the required knowledge and right experience that will have an impact on the council she represents. “I will sensitize others who don’t know how to claim the things that rightfully belong to them,” she added.
Bukari Gaye another participant also noted that youth leaders should be at the front to address certain abnormalities going on in the society.
“We live in the digital world but still some people are ignorant. Youths should take responsibility to address this challenge,” he remarked.
“We also talked about sexual harassment. Some women are abused in their work places. This issue is rampant in the country. This is alarming and it needs urgent solution. Women should be protected because they are vulnerable,” Mr. Gaye reiterated.
He called on the government to consider the plight of the youths as they can contribute immensely to the development of the country.