By Samsideen Ceesay
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and partners on Monday, 5th December 2022, commemorated the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence held at Youth Monument at Westfield. The celebration under the theme: ‘Unite! ACTIVISM TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS” is a global commitment to accelerate and intensify efforts to end violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign that is commemorated yearly from 25th November to 10th December, which is declared as the International Human Rights Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Madam. Fatou Kinteh reflected on the achievements registered in The Gambia and the world at large in curbing sexual and gender-based violence, violence against women and girls and the challenges that survivors continue to face on a daily basis.
“I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the government of The Gambia in its commitmentto protect the rights and welfares of The Gambian people, whilst ensuring that the fundamental human rights of women and girls are fully protected but also challenge Civil Society Organisations, private sector and other stakeholders, to also intensify their efforts in the campaign against sexual and gender-based violence in the country,’’ Minister Kinteh said. Also speaking at the event, the First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow affirmed that violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world and that there is need for effective collaboration and cooperation to enhance the welfare of women and girls in the country.
Ms. SeraphineWakana, UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, posited that the fight against SGBV should be continuous. She urged the gatheringto get involved, collaborate, support and participate in all national efforts in eradicating violence against women.
“The UN Country Team is committed to, and remains steadfast in uniting with partners and providing relevant support towards fighting against Sexual Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women and Girls,’’ she said.
