Seminar on gender-based violence ends

The Network on Gender-Based Violence, the Gambia, a joint local and Finnish initiative aimed at combating violence against women and girls in the Gambia recently held a one-day seminar on the theme: "Galvanising support and partnership in the fight against Gender-based violence" at the Liaco Atlantic Hotel in Banjul.

The seminar is a platform, which seeks to bring together NGO's and public institutions involved in women's empowerment, as well as to provide co-ordination and discussion of gender issues in the country. It among others seeks to bring about greater respect for the rights of women and girls and zero-tolerance for gender based violence.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs. Haddy Mboge Barrow, the Volunteer Part-time Co-ordinator of NGBV said that when gender-based violence is addressed from all angles, the possibility of prevention becomes a reality.

"The Gambia joins the rest of the world to come up with potential responses within the state and civil society," she said.

Mr. Babucarr Ngum, the Chairperson of the network said that the Network believes that when the players are many in the fight against gender-based violence and the chorus is louder, they can be able to find solutions to gender-based violence in the Gambia.

Mrs. Fatou Mbye, chairman of the Women’s Council, gave a speech on behalf of the Vice President Madam Isatou Njie Saidy.

"Gender-based violence has profound implications on health but ignored.

Gender-based violence is usually invisible behind closed doors. It is not reported, not seen as a big problem but only seen as family matters," she said.

She added that the Women's Act 2010 is a clear manifestation of the Gambian Government’s effort to end Gender-based violence in the Gambia.