The initiative was aimed at working in solidarity with women to end all forms of violence against women and children.
The synergies were held at the villages of Jurunku and Juffureh in Upper Nuimi.
Abubacarr K. Jammeh, Principal CADI of Kerewan CADI Court, commended ADWAC and Action Aid International The Gambia for the foresight in enlightening women and district tribunal on Shariah regarding marriage, divorce and inheritance.
He said the move would contribute to the reduction of marriage problems between couples and families.
The CADI noted that people have to be God-fearing and uphold the teaching of Islam to ensure that women’s rights are protected at all cost “as enshrined in the Holy Quran”.
He stressed the need for dialogue between religious scholars and traditional rulers on the dispensation of marriage issues, saying that it would contribute to the maintenance of mutual understanding and reduction of domestic violence.
CADI Jammeh called on parent to desist from forced and early marriage because such “is un-Islamic and violates the fundamental human rights”. Lamin A. Jarju, programme manager for Local Right Programme 9, said building the capacity and inclusion of local and religious leaders is a critical pathway in achieving their objective due to their respect in society as well as strengthening the traditional protocols in addressing social tensions.
He said the ultimate objective of Gender Action Groups is to engage and dialogue with men who are very critical to reducing gender-based violence.
Jarju commended GAGs for the tremendous achievements on conflict management especially conflict related wife battering, divorce and sending children back to school.
The initiative was established after a human rights training which was supported by AAITG.The rationale of the initiative is within the context of working in solidarity as women to collectively work for the eradication of violence against women and children.
The composition of the groups consists of women leaders, young women, village heads, religious leaders and male youth.
GAGs consider the inclusion of local and religious leaders as a critical pathway in achieving their objective due to their respect in society as well as strengthening the traditional protocols in addressing social tensions.
GAGs have registered tremendous achievements in the areas of conflict management especially conflict related wife battering, divorce and sending children back to school.Chief Modou Chatty Cham of Upper Nuimi thanked ADWAC and Action Aid International The Gambia and CADI Secretariat for raising public awareness on Shariah law on marriage.
He assured of the district authorities’ support to the initiative.
