The three-month tour, which engaged female immigration officers across various regions, formed part of a broader activity plan aimed at reviewing and aligning the GID Female Network (GIF Net) constitution with ongoing national reforms and global commitments on gender equality.
The initiative provided a platform for dialogue, reflection and reform focusing on gender inclusion, leadership opportunities and institutional participation for women within the department.
Superintendent Maimuna Trawally explained that GIF Net was established to strengthen mentorship among female officers, promote professional growth and raise awareness about their rights and responsibilities within the service.
According to her, the constitutional review process is not only an internal reform but also aligns with The Gambia’s broader commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 16 on inclusive and accountable institutions.
“Through this engagement, we want to consider national reforms and our international commitments. It is in line with SDG 5 gender equality and SDG 16 on inclusivity and accountable institutions. We want everyone’s voice to count,” she emphasised.
Assistant Commissioner Alimatou Saidy Kinteh noted that female officers in the West Coast Region actively participated in the discussions, sharing lived experiences and recommendations to enhance women’s involvement in decision-making processes.
“As West Coast female officers, we are taking part in reviewing the constitution, which is very important because we face daily challenges in balancing work and life both professionally and personally,” she said.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration and Assistant Station Officer at Gunjur Immigration Post, Mariama Nyanndou, highlighted reforms introduced within the department to boost professionalism and gender equity. She said the GID has improved promotion processes and expanded training opportunities for female officers.
“In the past, women faced challenges and addressing them was our biggest problem. But now that is a thing of the past. Female officers’ capacities are being built; they are promoted, sit on promotion boards, attend trainings and have opportunities to travel,” she stated.
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Alkali Jammeh underscored the importance of sustaining a vibrant female network within the GID. He stressed that breaking the culture of silence surrounding workplace challenges is essential for progress.
“Over the years, women have faced many challenges, and sometimes the problem has been silence. This is what we want to break. Women should be supported, and if supported, they will perform equally as men,” he noted.
Assistant Commissioner for Migration Management Binta K. J. Barrow commended the GID leadership for fostering a conducive environment that allows female officers to thrive. She praised senior management for promoting peace, unity and inclusion within the department.
The Brikama engagement, being the final leg of the nationwide tour saw female officers actively contributing to discussions and offering practical recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional reforms.
With the conclusion of the tour in the West Coast Region, the GID Female Network reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women through unity, mentorship and inclusive representation. The initiative signals a growing shift within the Immigration Department toward gender-responsive leadership and institutional transformation.
As the constitution review process advances, stakeholders say the momentum generated during the nationwide engagements could further solidify women’s role in shaping the future direction of the Gambia Immigration Department.
