The
National Council for Civil Education (NCCE) has continued its civic education
programmes of enlightening the people about their rights and obligations in
nation-building.
This
time around the main focus is placed on women participation in politics and
elections, especially in the upcoming National Assembly elections, whose voting
day is on Thursday 6 April 2017.
On
Sunday NCCE concluded seminars on women participation in politics and election
for the communities of Mansa Konko, Farafenni, Janjangbureh and Basse, funded
by Actionaid International The Gambia.
Our
womenfolk need to be empowered politically to build a politically healthy
society with sound decision making sectors like the women.
With
political and civic education, Gambian women could make meaningful contribution
to national development, because any society or nation whose women are armed
with political and civic education is bound for onward progress.
It
is essential to note that the level of backwardness of a nation can be
determined through the poor condition of women in that society and their level
of political consciousness.
As
the NCCE rightly states, one of the most basic signposts of a democracy is
citizens’ participation in government.
“Participation
is the key role of citizens in democracy; it is not only their right, but it is
their duty,” the NCCE says.
“Citizens’
participation may take many forms, including standing for election, voting in
elections, becoming informed, debating issues, attending community or civic
meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes, and
even participation to build a better democracy.”
Among
other merits, the role by the citizens would help greatly in keeping the
government on its toes and serve to always check them up as they steer the
affairs of the nation.
Hence
if institutions like the NCCE and Actionaid are doing all it takes to
“enhancing women political participation and representation” in the upcoming
elections and subsequent ones, they must be commended for the invaluable
initiative and support to empowering women of this country.
“Societies
that empower women are less violent in every way.”
Steven
Pinker