The event attracted various stakeholders and provided a platform to discuss issues of national interests.
Working with youth and women, Activista is determined to eradicate poverty, injustice and promote the participation of young men and women in governance at community, regional and national levels.
Over the years, the youth-led CSO has empowered countless young people and communities to meaningfully engage in decision-making processes, advocate for accountability and contribute to national development.
At the breakfast meeting, Ansumana Camara, National Coordinator for Activista -The Gambia, explained that their initial target was to have all the 53 National Assembly Members in their constituencies and engage with them, but noted that they were able to meet with at least 45.
He also announced that the Activista project has been extended to two years.
In his keynote address, Abdoulie Njai, National Assembly Member for Banjul Central, lauded members for the initiatives, noting that Activista is extremely important for a growing democracy.
Camara indicated that democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone.
“Democracy must continue through dialogue, participation, accountability and constant engagement between leaders and the people they serve.” he said.
Alagie Camara, Child sponsorship manager at ActionAid-The Gambia, disclosed that accountability remains at the heart of sustainable development and effective governance.
“It is not only about holding leaders to account, but also about creating inclusive systems where citizens are informed, engaged, and empowered to actively participate in decision-making.” she said.
The Constituency Dialogues, he added, have demonstrated that when communities are given space to engage directly with their representatives, trust is strengthened and governance becomes more responsive.
On the project overview, Konko Kandeh, Activista project officer reaffirmed Activista’s shared commitment to building a governance system that is responsive, inclusive and accountable to the people it serves.
The constituency dialogues, she noted, were born out of a simple but powerful idea bearing in mind that democracy must be lived in the everyday spaces of the communities.
She described Activista’s constituency dialogues as more than a project; a movement toward a new culture of governance, one that listens, consults and includes.
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