Deputy Speaker highlights Gambia’s gender equality efforts at Oxford forum

Seedy Njie was addressing delegates at an international forum held at Oxford, United Kingdom from June 19th to 21st, 2024.

Hon. Njie cited efforts undertaken since independence and under the current leadership of President Adama Barrow to create a just and equitable society for all.

He also revealed efforts from constitutional, parliamentary, policy, and international perspectives, saying the Gambian Constitution of 1997 enshrines gender equality as a fundamental right, with Section 28 specifically prohibiting discrimination based on gender.

He noted that other provisions reinforce this principle, while directive principles of state policy call for the eradication of all forms of discrimination and the prohibition of harmful cultural practices.

Deputy Speaker Njie maintained that these efforts and commitments have also culminated into the establishment of critical and dedicated national institutions such as the Women’s Bureau, the creation of a specific Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Welfare as well as the establishment of a specific Select Committee on Gender in the National Assembly.

By and large, he said, those are all indications of government’s commitment to gender empowerment and women participation in national development.

“It is worth to acknowledge that, while significant strides have been made, challenges remain, particularly in the full implementation and enforcement of laws and policies. However, the government and the National Assembly shall continue to leverage our opportunities, and forge a path towards stronger, more inclusive constitutional frameworks that uphold the rights of all individuals, irrespective of gender.”

To that end, Hon Njie pledged the government and National Assembly's continued efforts to strengthen constitutional frameworks and ensure gender equality becomes a reality for all Gambians.  

He also emphasised the importance of ongoing dialogue, international cooperation and sustained political will in achieving this goal.