Beneficiaries
of the European Union-funded Access to Justice and Legal Education Project have
commended and thanked both the EU and implementing partners such as NCCE, NALA,
ADRS and FLAG for bringing such an important project to their doorsteps.
The
project was successfully completed in West Coast Region, Lower River Region,
Upper River Region, North Bank Region and Central River Region.
Mam
Haddy Ceesay, a native of Pateh Sam in the Niamina East District of the Central
River Region (CRR), described the project as very important to them,
particularly women as most of them did not know their responsibilities and
rights; things the project has taught them.
She
said the project also taught them how to take care of their families, adding
that they would share the information gained with their fellow women.
She
also explained that they were able to learn how to go about the issue of
inheritance which they learnt during dramas that were performed by Fandema
theatre and film production during the project.
Penda
Mbye, a native of Mbayen, said they would make best use of the knowledge gained
for the benefit of both men and women.
Kani
Ceesay, a native of MamudFana, said they now understand that democracy comes
with law, adding that they were pleased with the project and thanked funders
and implementers.
Sohna
Njie of Kerr Biran, said as first and second wives they were not fully aware of
how to live together in peace and harmony but now they know.
“The
issues of inheritance, forced marriage, early marriage, violence against women
are all now known to us,” she stated.
They
now know the measures and places to report their husbands in the event they
maltreat them, she added.
Meanwhile,
the project aims to foster better democratic and economic governance in The
Gambia, through improving access to justice and legal education.
The
project sets out to improve access to legal services/remedial justice,
especially for vulnerable groups; legal education, training and research
skills.
The
project focuses on civic awareness with a campaign geared towards ensuring that
local communities are aware of their basic legal rights and obligations and
how, and where, to seek redress.
The
overall goal of the campaign is to enhance access to justice through civic and
legal education and the provision of information on available justice
mechanisms.
The
specific objectives are to promote public awareness on civic rights and duties;
promote awareness of the obligations of law enforcement agencies as well as disseminate
knowledge and enhance confidence in the tripartite justice system.
