Banjul, 27th March 2025: The National Coordinator for the Network Against Gender-Based Violence, Mr. Fallou Sowe, participated as a panelist at a side event organised by the UNFPA, and the governments of The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Italy (TBC). The event took place recently at the UN Headquarters and moderated by Ms. Cecile Mazzacurati, Gender & Human Rights Advisor at UNFPA.
The side event, titled, “Towards the Achievement of the Beijing Platform of Action in West Africa: A Call for Transformative Action, Strategic Partnerships, and Movement Building,” was part of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) conference.
During the discussion, Mr. Sowe recognised Gambian women’s contribution to the maintenance of the anti-FGM law. “Women survivors, activists, and community members mobilised to ensure the law was not repealed,” he told the panel.
He however made reference to the serious pushback on women’s rights in The Gambia when a National Assembly Member brought a Private Member Bill to repeal the Women’s Amendment Act 2015.
Mr Sowe went on to outline measures that could be taken to maintain the “hard-fought gains and advance gender equality and women’s empowerment”. He highlighted them as follows:
Strengthening Partnerships: CSOs will continue to build unity and enhance collaboration with UN agencies, donors, bilateral and multilateral organisations, human rights groups, relevant ministries, and local communities. These partnerships aim to secure funding and reinforce the enforcement of women’s rights laws.
Gender-Transformative Approaches: The coalition will adopt strategies to change negative gender norms, attitudes, and practices that hinder gender equality and limit women’s participation in politics and decision-making at all levels.
Economic Empowerment: Funds will be raised to support women’s economic empowerment initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a catalyst to boost women’s political participation, improving representation at both national and local government levels.
Education and Technology: Efforts will be made to scale up girls’ education programs, particularly at higher education levels and in advanced technology fields. This will equip young women with the necessary knowledge and skills to compete equally with their male counterparts.
Positive Masculinity Programmes: Community programmes promoting positive masculinity will be implemented to challenge harmful gender norms and encourage men to respect and regard women and girls as equals.
Advocacy Against Gender-Based Violence: Continued advocacy will focus on protecting women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful traditional practices.
Mr. Sowe emphasised that gender-based violence not only violates women’s rights but also negatively impacts education, productivity, and political participation.
“We are optimistic that with support from development partners such as UN agencies, donors, and the government, these initiatives will help CSOs maintain the gains achieved in retaining the anti-FGM law and uplift gender equality and women’s empowerment in the long run,” Mr. Sowe concluded.
The event brought together participants from various countries and development partners. The entire Gambian delegation attended, ensuring The Gambia’s presence and contributions were strongly felt.
Prepared by Sarjo M. Camara, Communications officer, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, reporting from New York
