The initiative, held at the USET campus in Brikama, targets lecturers, tutors, and gender focal points, with a focus on building gender-responsive mentorship systems in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Speaking at the opening, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) Mucktarr M.Y. Darboe described the programme as a transformative step towards strengthening human capital and improving service delivery in The Gambia’s education sector.
He warned that despite national ambitions to become a knowledge-driven economy, women and girls remain significantly underrepresented in STEM and TVET fields due to long-standing structural and social barriers.
“This is not a question of capability, but of systems that have limited access and opportunity for far too long,” he stated, stressing the urgent need for inclusive policies and mentorship frameworks.
Darboe further noted that mentorship plays a critical role in shaping aspirations, particularly for young girls seeking careers in science and technology.
“A young girl who sees herself reflected in a female engineer or scientist gains the confidence and permission to dream, to try, and to belong,” he added.
USET Vice Chancellor Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakande said the programme comes at a crucial time when inclusive education is increasingly recognised as key to sustainable development.
She emphasised that while STEM and TVET sectors hold immense potential for economic growth and innovation, their impact can only be realised through equitable access for all.
