Media Run Challenge, Child Fund commemorate Int’l Day of Girl Child

The event was characterized by run from Qcell Building along Kairaba Avenue to Traffic Lights.

ChildFund Country Director Musukuta Komma-Bah, called for more investment in the rights of the child more especially the girl child.

Komma Bah also called for involvement in supporting the rights of girls.

‘‘There are current evolving situations affecting the girl child notably on sexual abuse and harassment,” she said.

‘‘The current discourse on FGM in the country is a cause for concern and my message to all is for us to consider the plight of the girl child and come up with the best systems  approaches and programmes that positively support the growth and development of all girls for a better Gambia,’’ Komma Bah said.

Komma Bah stated that ChildFund is aware of the needs of girls globally, African continent and in the Gambia.

‘‘In our collaboration and engagement with our partners, we are committed to complementing the efforts of the government and serve as a watch dog to ensure that laws and policies that support the rights of the girl child are fully implemented.

‘‘We would also continue to provide them their needs to enable them to attain their full potential,’’ she reassured.

In her statement, president of Women’s Journalist Association of The Gambia (WoJAG), Annette Camara, stated that they would always celebrate girls and women.

She further stated their wish to see a lot of women progress in the country.

‘‘Let us empower girl child to become what they want to become and normal men and women support the girl child,’’ Camara.

Camara called on the National Assembly Members (NAM) to support girls.

He urged the NAMs to be positive.

“You don’t have to sit there and decide for me and every other girl in the country we know what we want and we know how we feel it and we know when we need,’’ she affirmed.

Executive Director of Child Care, The Gambia, Sainabou Chaw, said it’s important to celebrate girls, adding that it is so disheartening to see the rights of the girl child being abused.

She urged the government of The Gambia to make sure the rights of the girls are protected.

For his part, the chairman of Media Run Challenge, Abdoulie Jawo, said girls are their sisters, adding the day should be celebrated.

“We should create conducive environment for girl child to grow,’’ he said.

Famara Fofana, a communications specialist, appealled to journalists to use their pens, cameras and go to remote areas and villages to amplify the voice of children that are suffering.

‘‘You people have your pens and cameras; let’s spread the message and good things that girls are doing,’’ Fofana said.

The special guest of the event, Awa Gambia, expressed delight for joining run to celebrate the day of the girl child.