Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-11 10:49:56
President Adama Barrow celebrated International Women’s Day by meeting with various groups and individuals who are working towards promoting gender equity and equality in The Gambia. The meeting was held at State House in Banjul and included representatives from the Maa Foundation, Women in Business Advocacy Group, a South Korean delegation, and the outgoing country representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Desta Tiruneh.
During the meeting, President Barrow expressed his commitment to promoting opportunities for women and girls in all aspects of national development. The Maa Foundation, led by CEO Fatoumata Jawara, advocated for policy and social changes to support women and marginalized groups. They also appealed to the government to review procurement procedures to increase opportunities for women in business.
The delegation members, including Mrs. Emily Sarr, expressed gratitude for the progress in widening opportunities for women but called for a 30% affirmative action in procurement. President Barrow reassured them that with the current enrollment of girls in the educational sector, achieving the 30% quota at the governance and decision-making level is possible.
President Barrow also expressed satisfaction with the increasing involvement of women in business enterprises and other sectors. He shared an anecdote about meeting a female contractor and her engineer daughter who were ahead of schedule in their road construction contract.
Under President Barrow’s administration, efforts have been made to increase access to healthcare, expand economic opportunities for women and girls, and promote women in agriculture, particularly in rice and groundnut cultivation. The government has collaborated with local and international partners to achieve these goals and improve the healthcare sector in The Gambia.
The country has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality rates and strengthening healthcare systems. Dr. Desta Tiruneh, the outgoing WHO country representative, commended the government for its achievements in healthcare, including improvements in immunization programs and tobacco control. These efforts have led to increased revenue, the establishment of an oxygen plant, and a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates.
The South Korean delegation, led by Ambassador Chong-weon Shin, discussed strategies with President Barrow to increase rice production, as rice is a staple food for the majority of Gambians. Women are actively involved in rice cultivation in The Gambia, prompting the government to invest in promoting rice cultivation complexes to improve seed production and supply systems in the country.
President Barrow emphasized the importance of standing on their own feet and producing enough food, stating that rice is a national issue that requires attention. The government continues to work towards promoting agriculture, specifically rice cultivation, to improve food security in the country.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and improving healthcare and agricultural sectors in The Gambia. The collaboration with various groups and individuals demonstrates a collective effort towards achieving these goals and making positive changes in the country.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
