The meeting focused on identifying collaborative efforts to support key initiatives in The Gambia.
The SMI delegation was led by Dr. Shaurice Mullins and comprised eight women specialists in diverse fields, including disaster recovery and risk management, healthcare services, business development, diversity and inclusion, economic development, AI technology and digitalisation, information technology, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and communications.
As a non-profit organisation, SMI expressed its willingness to support The Gambia in three priority areas such as: agriculture: transitioning from traditional to mechanised agriculture; entrepreneurship: empowering women and girls through business development. On financial inclusion: enhancing access to financial resources for women and girls.
Hon. Minister Fatou Kinteh and The Gambia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lamin Dibba, welcomed SMI’s commitment to partnership. Dibba assured SMI of his office's open-door policy to facilitate ongoing communication between the two entities.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical, Mr. Kajali Sonko, presented an overview of the Ministry's mandate, governance structure, projects, and programs. His presentation highlighted the Ministry's development approach and empowerment strategies, focusing on economic, educational, and health initiatives. Key topics included a SWOT analysis, financial and entrepreneurial empowerment for women, and the policy and legal frameworks that guide these efforts.
Additionally, Mrs. Ramata Giggo, director of Horticulture and Chairperson of the National Women Council, provided technical insights on enhancing agricultural productivity. She emphasised the importance of transforming agriculture into a year-round activity for women, ensuring sustainable production and improved livelihoods.
The meeting marked a promising step towards building a fruitful collaboration between SMI and the Ministry, aimed at driving positive change and empowering women and girls in The Gambia.
Sarjo M. Camara, Communications officer, reporting from New York
