Jawneh was found recently murdered in her home in Wellingara and this latest incident now adds up to growing list of gender-based violence cases in the country.
Reacting to the tragedy in a Facebook post on Friday, January 31, 2025, Mayor Lowe decried the alarming frequency of violence against women, calling it a ‘disturbing norm that must end.’
“It is now becoming a norm for women to be brutalized every now and then. It is either a rape case, a murder case, bullying, or abuse.” she stated.
She emphasised that women have suffered in silence for too long, and immediate action is needed to protect them.
“Now it is time to speak up for our voices to be heard loud and clear. I mean, the violence against women needs to stop.”
Mayoress Lowe said that The Gambia’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and protection for all citizens, and various laws exist to safeguard women’s rights. However, she pointed out that these legal frameworks are not effectively implemented, leaving women vulnerable to abuse and violence.
“We have signed international conventions, but implementation remains an issue. It is high time we respect the laws and international conventions in place. Enough is enough.”
Expressing her determination to ensure justice for Nyakasi Jawneh, Lowe vowed to personally follow up on the case, reinforcing the urgent need for authorities to act decisively against perpetrators of gender-based violence.
The tragic death of Nyakasi Jawneh has reignited discussions on the state of women’s safety in The Gambia. Activists and community leaders are calling for stricter enforcement of laws, improved protection mechanisms, and greater societal awareness to combat gender-based violence.
Mayoress Lowe believes that violence against women is not just a women’s issue but a national crisis that demands immediate attention.
As The Gambia mourns another senseless loss, the call for justice grows louder, Lowe calls on authorities to take firm action to protect women and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
