Women Journalists Association SG calls for action on gender equality

In an interview with The Point, Banna emphasised the crucial role women play in every sector and the ongoing obstacles they encounter, especially regarding representation and gender equality.

She advocated for increased recognition of women's contributions and emphasised the need for united efforts to assert their rightful positions in decision-making arenas.

International Women’s Day, she added, serves as both a time for reflection and a celebration of the invaluable contributions made by women in every sector, saying: “This day serves as a vital opportunity to celebrate women's achievements, acknowledge their ongoing struggles, and advocate for meaningful change.”

Women, Banna said, “are pivotal in driving growth and development in The Gambia across multiple sectors, yet their significant contributions frequently remain overlooked. Therefore, the annual commemoration serves as an opportunity for society to evaluate progress, recognise ongoing challenges, and collaboratively strive for enhanced inclusion and empowerment.”

She maintained that despite continuous efforts, “gender inequality is still profoundly entrenched in The Gambia. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and the underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles continue to be significant obstacles.”

According to her, women represent less than 5% in both the Parliament and the Executive, further claiming: “This minimal presence hinders the prioritization of women's initiatives and concerns at the highest levels of governance.”

Highlighting the challenges within the media industry, Banna expressed concern over the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, adding: “While women constitute the majority in journalism, they remain confined to lower-level positions, grappling with inadequate pay and challenging working conditions.:

“Despite women making up more than 80% of reporters, presenters, and marketing staff in media organizations, leadership roles continue to be overwhelmingly occupied by men. Therefore, the decisions impacting women in journalism and other fields are frequently made by men, and this must change.”

SG Banna Sabally recognised the formidable challenges posed by The Gambia's deeply rooted patriarchal system, saying: “While radical methods may not yield the desired results, a strategic and persistent effort for reform is essential.” 

“Women must come together and establish a collective stance, fostering meaningful conversations while actively advocating for inclusion and equal representation. Additionally, the government must prioritize efforts in tackling gender disparities, especially in the areas of governance and leadership.”

In a powerful closing statement, Banna underscored the critical need to take a stand against all manifestations of violence and discrimination targeted at women. “Women must persist in their battle for their rightful position in society. We've made significant progress, yet there is still much work ahead,” she concluded.