The District Assembly for the Welfare of Girls and Young Women is a board under the Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance (KEYCDA). It aims to promote the welfare of girls and young women in the district, and help to combat teenage pregnancy, early marriage, school dropout of girls and all harmful traditional practice affecting the wellbeing of girls and women.
The theme for the celebration was recognising the great efforts of women in community development. The commemoration also aims at demonstrating recognition and appreciation of women contribution to societal development.
Fanta Daboe, speaker of the District Assembly for the Welfare of Girls and Young Women, described International Women’s Day as key, saying everyone has recognised the scarifies women have done in the world.
She said women are encountering numerous challenges that are caused by misconception associated with religious and cultural practices within society.
However, she said: “If you understand our religion you will know that it is mandatory for women to learn.”
Ms Darboe called on all women to acquire skills and knowledge in order to be able to execute their functions smoothly in society.
“Gender equality is not about fighting but about understanding and tolerance,” she said.
Khaddy Sanyan, coordinator of speaker of the District Assembly for the Welfare of Girls and Young Women, said the day helps mankind to reflect on women’s efforts to societal development as well as challenges women face but also to help people put measures in place to address the challenges.
“Our role is not only being house wives. But also to contribute to the development of the nation as well as development of ourselves,” she said.
She called on women to work unanimously to contribute towards nation building and improve their employment rate.
Sirreh Touray, lady councilor for Kombo East District, called on women to stand firmly and also participate towards society’s development. She advised women to believe in themselves, and work to expectation.
“Any position that a man holds, a woman can also hold that position successfully,” she told the young girls.
Hawa Minteh, ChildFund The Gambia representative, commended Gambian women for their commitment and participation towards the development of their various communities and the country as a whole.
She highlighted women efforts and contribution in decision- making process through handling key position in central government, public institutions, and at civil society organisations compare to previous years.
