The President cited the current Secretary General, Salimatou Touray’s position as strategic in his government to influence decisions for gender sensitivity. He added that the role of The Ministry of Gender, Women and Social Welfare is a testament to that commitment.
Highlighting the economic transformation of Gambian Women, President Barrow disclosed that about 50,000 women had accessed the Women Enterprise Fund with 5% interest. He said the Gender Ministry is partnering with the Central Bank of The Gambia to support women with loans through the WEF.
While acknowledging the calibre of women in the AWLN network leading to its successful launching, the President encouraged more women, especially the elite, to participate in politics at all levels to increase their involvement in key decisions making processes.
He thanked them and pledged to support the AWLN agenda on national and global stages.
The AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security and the AWLN Co-Convener H.E Mme. Bineta Diop said the network is under the leadership of HE Ellen Johnson, with support from key figures and political leaders, with the UN technical support. She noted that the AWLN is in solidarity for economic transformation and will meet grassroots leaders to bring on board.
The delegation comprised of Ms Muna Jallow, AWLN Gambia National Coordinator and Chairperson, former Vice Presidents, Their Excellences, Dr Isatou Touray, AWLN Gambia Co-Chairperson, and Fatoumatta Tambajang, Senior Adviser, Hon Fatou Kinteh, H.E Jainaba Jagne, Head of Mission, Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA, Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E Fatou Bensouda Ambassador of The Gambia to UK, H.E Qwabe Bongiwe, Ambassador of South The Gambia and Senegal, H.E Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Rep of AU to the UN, Ms Seraphine Wakana, UN Gambia Resident Coordinator, Ms Aissata De, UNDP Resident Rep, Mrs Elena Ruiz Abril, UN Women Rep, Ms Sarata Conateh, AWLN Gambia SC member, Dr, Marema Toure, Rep of AWLN Senegal, Fatou Sombie, UN Women, Jane-Ange Musekura, UN Women, Terrence Langenhoven, Tiffany Mostert, Ms Miatta L French, Gambia Head of Ecowas Mission.
AWLN is a movement of women created to enhance the leadership role of African women in the transformation of the continent in line with the aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The Gambia national chapter was launched on 16th May 2023.
State House, Banjul, 18th May 2023:
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