Speaking at the event which kicked off Friday at Young Men Christian Association centre (YMCA) at Kanifing, Mr Ousman Jallow, the chairman of IVLP, said young women need to be nurtured through right mentorship, considering their vulnerability in society.
He said: “The mentorship provides an important framework for experience sharing between experienced people and the younger generation, through which young people can be guided. Young people deserve encouragement and support. It is in recognition of this that the IVLP is implementing this project to complement the government’s efforts.
“I am very much encouraged when I see these mentors some of who have been jailed for standing firm in the fight for justice. I am well assured that these mentors can modify so many lives and their character must be emulated.”
Jallow observed that young women have been victimised, exploited and degraded for too long.
Aisha Keita, coordinator of IVLP, said the forum availed the young women the opportunity to share their stories.
She thanked the United State Embassy for sponsoring the project. She urged the mentees to respect their mentors.
Some women activists who have vowed never relent in their struggle for justice and equality spoke at the event. Prominent women including Zainab Jah, Amie Sillah-Sarr, Dr. Isatou Touray, Amie Sissoho-Bojang, Amie Ceesay-Jaiteh and Nyima Sarr spoke at the event.
International Visitor Leadership Programme The Gambia was founded in 2006 by young Gambians to bring greater contact and understanding between the people of The Gambia and the United States, through cultural exchange and educating young girls towards career building
By Sise Sawaneh
]]>
