Reliance commemorates Int’l Day of Rural Women with foundation stone laying in Soma

Reliance Financial Services (RFS), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, celebrated the International Day of Rural Women in Soma, Lower River Region (LRR), under the theme “Empowering Women with Digital Tools to Grow, Thrive and Inspire.” 

The occasion was marked by the laying of the foundation stone for the company’s new Soma branch, a significant step in its ongoing efforts to bring inclusive financial services closer to rural communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Reliance Financial Services Managing Director Baboucarr Khan reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and sound governance.

“We continue to operate under the supervision of the Central Bank of The Gambia, and to date, no regulatory intervention has been required a testament to our diligence, integrity, and commitment to doing our work the right way,” he stated.

Mr Khan emphasised that rural women remain central to community development and the national economy.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare for their support. Together, we aim to equip rural women with the digital tools, financial inclusion, and institutional support they need to grow, thrive, and inspire others.”

In her address, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, highlighted the vital role rural women play in the nation’s progress.

“Empowering rural women is not only about fairness; it is about strengthening the very foundation of our society. 

When women have access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power, entire communities prosper,” she said.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and protection against gender-based violence, guided by the National Gender Policy 2025–2034. She urged continued collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to ensure women’s inclusion in national development.

Representing the Governor of the Lower River Region, Momodou Camara, Deputy Governor, underscored the link between women’s empowerment and national progress.

“The progress of any nation depends not only on its economy or infrastructure, but also on the empowerment of its women — the backbone of our communities,” he stated.

Almamo A.K. Ceesay, Vice Chairman of the LRR Area Council, commended Reliance Financial Services for its contribution to women’s economic empowerment, recalling successful past collaborations on microfinance projects that directly benefited rural women.

“Any development initiative that uplifts our women uplifts the nation,” he said. “The doors of the Council remain open to continued partnership.”

Representing the Central Bank of The Gambia, Modou Lamin Sonko reiterated the Bank’s support for gender-inclusive financial systems.

“When women thrive, economies grow stronger, families prosper, and nations advance toward sustainable development,” he emphasised.

Citing data from the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, Mr Sonko revealed that women account for over 50% of the agricultural workforce and operate around 70% of informal enterprises. Despite this, many still face barriers such as limited access to finance and digital tools.
He commended institutions like Reliance Financial Services for pioneering micro-finance solutions that have enabled thousands of women to start small businesses and contribute to rural economic growth.

Mrs Nellie S. Taylor, Board Chairperson of Reliance Financial Services, described the event as both a celebration and a call to action.

“Empowerment begins with access — to knowledge, technology, and finance. Digital tools are not just conveniences; they are powerful enablers that open doors to education, entrepreneurship, and independence,” she said.

Mrs Taylor highlighted Reliance’s Women’s Finance Program, launched in 2014, which has empowered over 31,500 women, with a 97% repayment rate a testament to women’s dedication and financial discipline. Through this initiative, Reliance has disbursed over D5.5 billion in small loans to rural women, alongside savings and insurance products tailored to their needs.

The Board Chairperson concluded by reaffirming Reliance’s dedication to expanding access to finance across the country.

“The foundation stone we lay today is not just for a building; it is a symbol of our enduring commitment to empower communities, especially women, through financial inclusion and innovation.”