PS echoes Gov’t commitment to tackle challenges of disabled persons in development process

Permanent Secretary of the ministry of women and children affairs have resounded Gambia government continued commitment in addressing the challenges and concerns in the inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in national development process.

Addressing a two-day advocacy seminar for National Assembly Members on inclusion, participation and representation of women, youth and people with disabilities last Friday, Rohie Bittaye-Darboe said her ministry will ensure the enactment of the Persons with Disability Bill by 2020. 

Held at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) conference center in Bakau, the seminar discussed around the issues of inclusion, participation and representation of youth, women and the disables with the wider objective to enhance the political space to strengthen democracy and good governance

The permanent secretary also assured that her ministry will progressively implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that was ratified by the government of The Gambia in July 2015.

“The priority of my ministry focuses on the empowerment of women and persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda which pledges to leave no one behind and recognize gender and disabilities as cross-cutting issue to be considered in the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Civil society and the private sector are also taking the lead in supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities at global, regional, national and local level,” she stated.

 According to her, women, youth and people with disabilities need can play leading roles in the country, saying it is important for everyone to understand that change in the political situation depends on the participation of all on equal terms.

Dembo Kambi, chairperson of the National Youth Council said virtually 68% of the country’s population is young people and they should not be exempted from key decisions making.

“Youth, women and persons with disabilities are the first and last causalities in any form of conflicts and therefore their participation and involvement in decision making processes speak volume in the determining a country’s future,” he said.

Mr Kambi said they are not only going to rely on the government but called on all the political parties to give their quarter to young people so that they would be able to participate in partisan politics.

 “As a country, we must design good plans and policies, be it at the legislative, judiciary or cabinet levels. We must always cater for the participation of young people in all these categories and stages of development process.”