This garden serves as a crucial empowerment center for over 500 women from the West Coast region, but is now facing a severe water shortage crisis.
The Banjul Mayor recently visited the garden, witnessing firsthand the challenges confronting the women, who have relied on it for decades to achieve economic independence. Now, facing a critical water shortage, this cornerstone of women's empowerment is teetering on the brink of collapse.
In an Interview with this medium, Mayor Lowe stated that the sole borehole, essential for irrigation in the garden, has ceased functioning, leaving crops struggling to survive and endangering the livelihoods of those dependent on its yield.
"This is a call to urgent action," emphasises Mayor Lowe. "We implore all our partners to extend their support. These hardworking women, who serve as the primary breadwinners for their families, depend on this income to provide for their loved ones."
She affirmed that for generations, the Banjulinding women’s garden has stood as a beacon of hope and self-sufficiency, offering sustenance, pride, and purpose to its caretakers. Mayor Lowe's visit has brought attention to the precarious state of affairs, underscoring the urgent need for immediate intervention to preserve this indispensable community asset.
The Mayor's plea highlights the severity of the situation faced by these women, whose financial security is on the line. Without immediate action, the garden's deterioration could have significant repercussions for their families and the wider community.
Mayor Lowe expressed gratitude to the partners for their continuous support, acknowledging their past assistance while rallying for additional aid to revitalize the garden. The destiny of this historic women's initiative now relies on a collective endeavour to reinstate its water supply and uphold its legacy of empowerment.
Mayor Lowe has called on stakeholders and philanthropic organizations to swiftly mobilize resources to address the water crisis and ensure the survival of Banjul’s cherished women’s garden.
“The message is clear: the time to act is now, to protect not only a source of income but also a symbol of resilience and community spirit,” she noted.
She however indicated that the Minister of Gender and Social Welfare should be active and reach out to women who are playing their part in nation building.
“The government cannot do it all; hence we all have to play our part in the best interest of our people, ” she appeals.
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