#National News

International IDEA trains NAMs & staff on inclusion, diversity mgmt

Jul 17, 2025, 11:35 AM | Article By: Ismaila Sonko

The National Assembly with support from International IDEA and the European Union under the EU-CODE project on Tuesday convened a two-day training for members of the National Assembly and Staff on Inclusion and Diversity Management.

The event, currently underway at a local in Kotu, seeks to equip lawmakers and staff with requisite knowledge relative to inclusive policymaking and strengthening representation for all. 

In his opening addressing, Kalipha M.M. Mbaye, Clerk of the National Assembly, emphasised the importance of all-inclusiveness in making legislations.  

Ms. Jainaba Faye, Country Director of International IDEA, underscored the importance of inclusivity especially for institutions in sustaining democracy and International IDEA’s role in promoting initiatives that promote diverse representation in democracy. 

Raphaël Brigandi, EU Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador to The Gambia, reinforced EU’s commitment to supporting inclusive governance and democracy. 

Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly, who officially opened the training, urged lawmakers to effectively participate in the training and come up with legislations that will represent the diversity of our nation. 

Further, the training focused on the Foundations of Diversity & Inclusion, Exploring key concepts, legal frameworks, and how diversity strengthens governance. 

It also availed participants the opportunity to analyse the challenges in enforcing the Women’s Act 2010 and the Persons with Disability Act 2021.