Speaking to The Point, Haddy Nyang Jagne, observed that women remain central to national development, but are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making.
“Women contribute socially, economically and culturally, yet their voices are not adequately reflected in governance. Increasing women’s participation strengthens democracy and inclusive development,’’ the seasoned parliamentarian stated.
Jagne, served in The Gambia’s parliament from 2007 to 2017 and concurrently represented the country at the ECOWAS Parliament from 2007 to 2015. In 2010, she became the first President of ECOFEPA, transforming it into a structured regional platform for female lawmakers across West Africa.
At the national level, she was among the few women elected through the ballot in 2007 and notably seconded the landmark Women’s Act 2010, which strengthened legal protections for women.
She challenged political parties to remove structural barriers, reduce high nomination fees, and adopt gender quotas to increase female representation.
Similarly, she called for more opportunities to enhance women’s inclusion in politics, while also urging for mentorship and training opportunities so as to create safer internal party environments for women aspirants,
Addressing social barriers, Jagne condemned bullying, character attacks and public shaming of women in politics, describing these negative vices as harmful to democratic growth.
Highlighting the need for inclusion of women with disabilities, Nyang maintained that the Persons With Disabilities Act 2021 provides a framework for equal participation.
She made reference to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which emphasised that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Thus, she called on President Adama Barrow to continue increasing women’s representation in Cabinet and parliamentary appointments.
“Women empowerment is not about competition between men and women,” she concluded. “It is about fairness, inclusion and national progress. History will judge us if we fail to act. ’’she concluded.
