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'Women's Act, others, a testimony of Govt.'s commitment'

Oct 4, 2010, 2:33 PM | Article By: Isatou Senghore

The Vice- President and minister of Women's Affairs Dr. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy has said that the recent enactment of the Women's Act 2010 together with several government policies, most of which have integrated gender perspectives are all clear testimonies to government's commitment. 

VP Njie-Saidy made these remarks Wednesday at the Atlantic hotel in Banjul during the opening ceremony of a three days training for members of the Gambian judiciary on Gender Concept, Gender Analysis and Gender Mainstreaming and Sensitization on the Women's Act 2010 and validated Gender Policy 2010-2020.

It was organized by the Women's Bureau through the United Nations Development Programme.

According to VP Njie-Saidy, a lot has been accomplished in the area of education, health, agriculture as well as women's participation in decision-making at various levels.

"The economy, favorable policies, programmes and projects continue to be in place to support the attainment of these goals,” she said, adding that the Gambia is also a party to relevant international and regional treaties and conventions related to gender and women's rights and capacity development.

She commended all development partners for their collaboration and cooperation and the Commonwealth Secretariat for the technical and financial support accorded the Gambia.

She however stressed that without effective implementation and coordination, all efforts will be futile hence the significance of the workshop.

For her part, the UNDP representative Madam Sira Ndow, said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to making gender equality a reality not only because it is a moral imperative, but because it is a way to promote prosperity and well-being for all.

According to Madam Ndow, the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing Conference of 1995) was organised as the global commitment to gender equity and equality and as an essential basis for sustainable development. Gender equality, she stated, is enshrined in all of the major UN frameworks including the Millennium Development Goals, the human development paradigm, and rights-based approach to development.