By Omar Bah
In a landmark move underscoring his administration’s commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment, President Adama Barrow has announced a comprehensive D100 million support package aimed at uplifting 2340 Gambian women across socioeconomic sectors.
Addressing a meeting in Sanunding village, Upper River Region on Saturday in the ongoing Meet The People Tour, the president emphasised that this decisive investment is designed to accelerate women’s access to entrepreneurship.
He said the empowerment of women remains central to building a resilient and prosperous Gambia, adding that the D100 million package will dismantle barriers, provide resources, and create sustainable pathways for the beneficiaries.
President Barrow added that the project will be implemented by the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs and it will directly benefit 2340 women.
“They will be trained on business for three months and after that we will support each of them from the D100 million. In Banjul, 103 women will benefit from the project, Kanifing – 216, West Coast – 501, Lower River Region – 293, Central River Region – 515, Upper River Region – 463, and North Bank Region – 253. We also share the money between them and it is going to be a gift.”
The Gambian leader also recognised the giant roles Gambian women continue to play in the social economic development of the country.
Turning to the significance of the Presidential tour, Mr Barrow reminded the gathering that the Meet The People Tour is a constitutional requirement designed to avail him the opportunity to listen to the Gambian people and have firsthand information about what they want and their reservations.
“This will help me and my government better understand how to go about the development initiatives we intend to continue bringing to the Gambian people. We have recorded all your comments and concerns. When we return, we will review them and see what we will be able to do now and what we are able to do later.”
He assured the community that the Sanunding road and many others connected to it are part of the government’s plans.
Mr Barrow also reaffirmed his commitment to serving the will and interest of the Gambian people at all times.
“You (Gambians) are the ones who give me this job so I will continue to work diligently to ensure I fulfill the promises I made to you,” he said.
