The new committees are tasked with the responsibility to examine and select projects submitted by ECOWAS member States for the implementation of the flagship programs of the EGDC.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director of the EGDC, Mrs Sandra OULATE FATTOH, said, “by inviting you to this information, sharing and selection workshop for the Scholarship and Agricultural Processing Projects, the EGDC’s intention is to give all the players involved in issues relating to the education and economic, social and political empowerment of women and girls the opportunity to contribute actively to the effective and efficient implementation of the selected projects.”
The Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Commission Abdou Colley, reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting member countries with their various developmental agendas.
He stressed the need for member countries to implement the project accordingly and urged them to provide the scholarships to the deserving boys and girls.
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Permanent Representative in the Gambia Mitta Lily French said “ECOWAS, through the EGDC, gives pride of place to the integration of gender equity and equality issues and the promotion of women’s rights in the main priorities of its action.”
The meeting in Banjul, brought together representatives from the ECOWAS member states.
The mandate of the two regional committees is to, examine and select projects submitted on two flagship programs of the EGDC, respectively (i) Program on Support to Brilliant but Needy Girls and Boys Specialized Technical and Vocational Education through the award of Scholarships of Excellence, and (ii) Program on Technical and Financial Support to Women engaged in the processing of Agricultural, Marine and Handicraft Pl products in ECOWAS member States.