When we speak of equality and equal opportunity for women we cannot speak long without elaborating on the crucial function they play in society. No one can ever dispute the tremendous contribution women y play as breadwinners.
Women form 50 percent of the world’s population and cannot be left behind. They play an important role as drivers of economic development. Moving past the Millennium Development Goals and into post-2015 development planning, any sustainable development must include the creative and productive force of women as one of its drivers. They must also be among those reaping the benefits of development.
More than half-a-billion women have joined the world’s labour force over the past 30 years, and women now account for more than 40 percent of workers worldwide. One reason for increased workforce participation is an unprecedented reduction in fertility in developing countries.
But large gender gaps remain. Women earn less and are less economically productive than men almost everywhere across the world. And women have less opportunity to shape their lives and make decisions than do men.
To bring about gender equality, policymakers need to focus on some clear priorities. They need to diminish gender differences in household and societal voice. The policies need to address the combined influence of social norms and beliefs, women’s access to economic opportunities, the legal framework, and women’s education. Measures that increase women’s control over household resources and laws that enhance their ability to accumulate assets, especially by strengthening their property rights, are important.
I think men must take the bull by the horn and play their role in cementing their remarkable contribution to nation-building. Undoubtedly, we have a key role to play in this gender we find so fascinating. We have a proud legacy and we as men who see women as an important part of our everyday experience will embrace what I am saying and endorse it by showing continued respect to our women. This rich legacy can be integrated in the school system in increasing the time spent on our young men for them to develop positive and creative instincts.
Alhagie Danjo,
Basse, Koba Kunda
RE: Gov’t declares ban on gambling
Dear editor,
I’m writing to express my deep concerns on the government’s stance to ban all forms of gambling in the country. I am a citizen of this country and I believe those who want to gamble have every right to do so. I also believe gambling operators who have been creating employments for Gambians should be allowed to operate. What the government should do is to come up with age limit at the casinos to stop pupils from accessing them.
Gaming industry has brought significant benefits to employees and by banning it, the government is setting a troubling precedent and providing more alarming rate for unemployment of the youths of this country.
Everything has its positive and negative effects; even gambling has its positive impact not only to people but to an economy as well. So before you are quick to judge, let’s take a look at some of the positive points of gambling. Gambling can be a powerful economic development tool which has shown impressive job growth for some youths.
The popularity of gambling paves way for the establishment of hotels. Some gambling companies often make charitable donations in their areas. Thus, the government collects added revenues through taxes collected from gambling establishments.
Gambling also has positive effects to people. Elderly, finds gambling to be a form of therapy. It is a place for them to socialise and interact with fellow elders. It alleviates their loneliness or feelings.
Gambling is fast-paced and can provide excitement and entertainment meeting and working with a wide variety of people. Some do it for entertainment purposes and to take a chance at getting lucky at one of the many games in a casino.
Everything has its own good, as long as it is done moderately. It is not bad to gamble or go to casinos. If it can do you good, but always remember to have discipline and control. Always set limitations in everything that you are doing.
Saidou Leigh,
Brikama
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