International Women’s Day is an important occasion celebrated each year on March 8th to shedlight on the remarkable accomplishments of women across various fields and highlight ongoing efforts to promote gender equality.
The theme for this year’s event –‘invest in women: accelerate progress’- focuses on how investing in and supporting women contributing to key economic sectors will enhance gender equality and benefit the entire community.
The day’s event provides a perfect platform for rural women who own small businesses, work in agriculture, or are involved in fisheries to share their experiences and challenges.
Welcoming the gathering, Mbaye Jobe, alkalo of Kerr Jarga, expressed delight to be associated with the event, saying this is the second convergence in the village relating to the development of women.
He made refence to the Kerr Jarga Women Resource, sponsored by UNFPA, as a big investment not only for the village, but for the entire country.
To that end, he thanked women for their remarkable contribution to the development of the country, saying women have been phenomenal for their different undertakings thus contributing to the welfare of their respective families.
Also speaking, Alpha Khan, Chief of Jokadou, revealed the celebration comes at a time when the country is at a cross-road in repealing its anti-FGM laws.
He commended women for their achievement in the country’s development, saying IWD is a day dedicated to honouring the achievement of women in all spheres of life.
He noted that it is also a day to pay tribute to countless women who defy the odds to become successful individuals in the country.
‘The day is not only a day of celebration, but a day for sober reflection.’
Lamin Saidy-Khan, Governor of North Bank Region, described the day as not only a special moment to reflect on the achievements made by women, but also to honour those on the way to progress.
He said the day is a global day celebrating the social, economic and political achievements of women, adding that is also a day women are recognised for their various achievements and successes.
He however, reminded the gathering of the numerous barriers affecting women in the full realisation of their dreams, calling on all to support women in their various domains.
Governor Saidy-bah made reference to the political will demonstrated by government as manifested in the creation of the Women and Gender Ministry meant to support the women across all walk of life.
Ndey Rose Sarr, UNFPA Country rep, acknowledged that the day is a moment for stocktaking of the remarkable contribution of women in the socio-economic development of the country.
She underscored the indispensable role of women in economic growth, noting that they are important pillars in agricultural production.
UNFPA Country rep noted that apart from being key members in their respective communities, women continue to serve as engines of innovation and drivers of change in various communities.
Despite these achievements, she lamented that they continue to face numerous challenges such as barriers to land ownership among a host of others.
She urged men to champion women initiatives and that empowerment of the country’s 51, which comprises women is key in any decision-making process.
She equally challenged womenfolk to participate in politics just as they make gains in entrepreneurship ventures.
