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Women’s Bureau concludes sensitisation on GBV, FGM and Child Marriage in WCR

Jan 8, 2020, 12:50 PM

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.