The
Deputy Governor of West Coast Region has underscored government’s commitment to
the protection of women and girls from all forms of Gender Based Violence and
the decades olds traditional practice of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting
(FGM/C).
Musa
B. Suso was speaking during a two-day sensitisation of stakeholders, regional
and local authorities on the negative effects of Gender Based Violence, FGMC
and child marriage.
The
outreach sensitisation that was held at the regional governor’s conference hall
in Brikama, was organised by the Women’s Bureau with support from UNFPA.
Mr
Suso told the gathering that the protection of women and girls call for
concerted efforts of all to promote and advocate for the health and wellbeing
of women and girls, to dialogue to bring an end to violence and promote peace
and stability at family levels.
He
called on stakeholders to be proactive to disseminate messages that would
promote the welfare of women and girls.
Women’s
Bureau Assistant Director for training, Fatou Sey noted that Women Bureau and
UNFPA attache great importance in the promotion and protection of the
reproductive health of women and girls, saying GBV, FGMC and child marriage are
violations of fundamental human rights.
She
said the sensitisation is meant to create better understanding on the National
Women Policy 2010 to 2020 and various Acts for the protection and advancement
of women and girls.
Madam
Sey said the creation of child welfare unit at The Gambia Police Force and
Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) at grassroots levels by the
Department of Social Welfare aim to facilitate avenues to seek support in
promoting and protection of women and girls.
The
lady Councilor of Brikama North constituency, Jainaba Jatta said the
sensitisation will help to strengthen public understanding and awareness on
Gender Based Violence, child marriage and FGMC through dialogue.
