First Lady leads IWD celebration

By Isatou Jawara The First Lady of The Gambia Mrs Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow yesterday joined hardworking Gambian women at the horticultural gardens in Lamin and Tanji to show solidarity with them as part of events marking International Women’s Day. She was accompanied by the executive director of Women’s Bureau and other prominent women leaders and activists. Speaking at the Lamin Horticultural Garden, the executive director of Women’s Bureau, Mrs Binta Jammeh Sidibeh, commended Madame Barrow for the initiative, saying the visit will boost the morale of women. She hailed Gambian women for their hardwork and urged men to be the main advocates of women empowerment. “Gambian women should graduate from voting for men and stand firm to be voted in decision making portfolios,” she said, encouraging them to contest in the forthcoming National Assembly election. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Women Council, Hon Fatou Mbye, saluted the First Lady for the good initiative describing it as very important. She said it’s a day when the women examine their challenges and achievements and aspirations to the next level. “Women should be celebrated everyday because they contribute in every development of this country,” she said, adding that if more women are elected in the parliament then there will be rapid change. Also speaking at the occasion, the FAO Country rep Madam Papetua Katepa Kalala, recognised the efforts of the UN System in the Gambia, saying the UNFPA strengthens the rights of women especially on reproductive health. She said FAO works very closely with women in agriculture to enhance them economically. She urged women to participate in national development. Other speakers included the Paramount Chief Alhji Demba Sanyang and the Alkalo of Tanji, Memba Bojang, who assured their unflinching support and loyalty to the Barrow administration The First Lady and delegation also visited Tanji Coastal fishing village and was taken on a conducted tour of the fishing facility.]]>