Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-18 06:04:40
The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPWM) and its development partners recently commemorated International Women’s Day at Mbankam under the theme: Investing in women for gender equity and equality of Lower Nuimi in the North Bank Region. The celebration was funded by the Canadian government project dubbed APOCEB, a French acronym for Coastal Population Adaptation and Blue Economy.
The event aimed at recognizing women’s contribution to the management of natural resources, bringing together 12 beneficiary communities of Niumi and Jokadou National Parks and a cross-section of society. Mrs. Honourine Jatta, Gender and Community Development Expert of APOCEB Project in Dakar, thanked the community of Mbankam for their invaluable contribution to the restoration and protection of natural resources. She gave a brief history of International Women’s Day as set aside by the UN on 8th March in 1962 and emphasized the need to accord both genders equal opportunities in all forms of economic, knowledge, resources, and responsibilities for a better world.
Dembo Samateh, Deputy Governor of NBR, hailed the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM) and project officials from Senegal for their foresight in complementing government efforts in the recognition of women’s participation in national development. He noted that the theme for the 2024 International Women’s Day called for more investment and equity in the management and allocation of resources.
Alasan Minteh, SEDAD Field Coordinator at DPWM, reiterated the need for development partners and organizations to greatly invest in women empowerment to enhance effective participation in the management of natural resources. The Field Coordinator emphasized that the International Women’s Day celebration is fundamental in providing stock taking on the achievements registered and identifying gaps.
Sarjo N.N Manneh, Park Manager of Niumi National Park, explained that the celebration was meant to raise awareness among civil society and state actors of the importance of investing in women for gender equity and equality. He detailed that the APOCEB project provides the communities of Jinack, Mbankam, and Bakindick Koto with processing units, sheds, vegetable gardens, tricycles, beekeeping tools, gears, and honey processing units.
The event highlighted the crucial role women play in natural resource management and the need to empower them for more effective participation. It served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate women’s contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the region.
The presence of government officials, development partners, and community members underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting gender equity and equality. Through initiatives like the APOCEB project, women in remote communities are provided with the tools and resources necessary to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the conservation of natural resources.
Overall, the International Women’s Day celebration at Mbankam was a testament to the commitment of stakeholders to support and uplift women in their efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. It served as a reminder of the valuable role women play in environmental stewardship and the importance of investing in their empowerment for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
