These figures reflect more than a demographic reality; they reflect a majority whose voices, choices, and talents must shape the nation’s direction. And yet, women continue to be systematically marginalised, particularly in national leadership and governance structures. This is not just a gender issue, it is a development issue. A nation cannot move forward when half of its population is left behind.
Mr President, the contributions of women to national development are undeniable. In the fields of agriculture, women are tilling the soil and feeding the nation. In health and education, they are caring for our sick and nurturing our future leaders. In business, they dominate the informal sector, driving micro-economies across every town and village. They're managing financial and banking institutions. Women are also at the forefront of the media, tailoring, peace building, social work, the judiciary and the security sector. According to the UNDP, women constitute over 70% of agricultural labour and more than 90% of the informal economy. Despite this, they remain vastly underrepresented in the leadership structures that make the policies affecting their lives.
Mr President, a disturbing example of this imbalance is seen in the National Assembly, where only 5 out of 58 members are women. These 5 include 2 independent, 2 nominated members, and 1 from the main opposition UDP, which represents 8.6% of the National Assembly members. In ministerial positions, there are only 3 women compared to 20 men. In diplomacy, The Gambia has only 5 female ambassadors compared to 18 male ambassadors. They are also male-dominated, with few women occupying decision-making or leadership positions. This imbalance is not reflective of competence, it is reflective of bias structural and cultural barriers that continue to deny women opportunities they have earned.
Mr President, as we strive for democratic maturity, we must address the deep-rooted gender disparity that exists within our governance system. The Constitution may not explicitly mandate gender parity, but your government has a moral and political obligation to ensure that governance is inclusive, fair, and representative of all Gambians. There are competent women with qualifications, integrity, and leadership experience ready to serve this nation at the highest levels; what they lack is access and opportunity.
Mr President, while we push for inclusion, we must also respond with urgency to the increasing reports of domestic violence, particularly wife beating, which has become rampant across the country. Just recently, a man beat his wife with a hammer a horrifying and inhumane act that has left many Gambians outraged. This is not an isolated case. Many women are suffering in silence behind closed doors. The government must treat this as a national emergency. Enforce the Women’s Act 2010, support safe shelters, fund legal and psychosocial services for survivors, and ensure law enforcement officers are trained to respond effectively and with empathy. Perpetrators must be prosecuted without fear or favour. The law should be enforced to ensure men divorcing their wives take full care of their children. The responsibility of feeding and schooling the children should not be left with only the divorced women.
Mr President, you often speak of building an inclusive, just, and democratic Gambia. That vision cannot be realised without the full participation of women in every area including diplomacy, and ministerial positions. A nation cannot claim to be democratic when only 3 out of 23 ministers are women, when 5 out of 23 ambassadors are female, and when strategic sectors are overwhelmingly male-dominated.
Mr President, let us correct this injustice. Let us ensure that women are appointed not only to support systems but to lead them. Women should not also be used for cheering political leaders, but should also be seen taking up political leadership, they should be always included in the commissions of inquiry.
Mr President, Gambian women are not asking for favours, they are demanding fairness. They are not looking to be seen, they are ready to be heard. Let this be the administration that transforms good intentions into concrete action, that breaks the ceiling and opens the doors of opportunity to women across The Gambia. Because when women are empowered, nations thrive.
Good day!