IWD: Tango trains gardeners on agric policy

By Omar Bah The Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (TANGO) Wednesday joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Women’s Day with a special advocacy training on the agricultural policy and conservation agriculture for urban women gardeners at the Sukuta Women garden. The two days’ event, themed ‘Women economic empowerment’, was proceeded by a march past with the women gardeners from the Sukuta Turn-Table to the women’s garden under the guidance of the Gambia Police Band. In his opening remarks, the executive director of TANGO, Ousman Yabo, said the day is commemorated every year worldwide to recognise efforts made by women around the world and as well discuss on issues that affect them. He went on to commend the women gardeners for their dedication in ensuring that they play their part in national development. “The garden in Sukuta is a clear manifestation that the women are playing their quarter in national development. I want to take this opportunity to thank the women in this country and the world at large for their immense contribution towards national development,” he said. In stressing the strong linkages between education, women’s empowerment, and economic growth, Ousman established that education is a top priority for TANGO. “In that vein I would like to call on the government to recognise the efforts of our women to ensure that they realise the hard work they are doing,” he added. “It is also important that the women gardeners to put into account their gains.” The training officer, Tabu Njie Sarr, said: “It is our mandate as civil society organisation is to contribute towards national development especially in the areas of women empowerment. “In this particular theme with regards to the twelve critical areas of the Beijing platform for action as well as the 2030 agenda, we think it is important that we also have a project that concentrates mainly on agriculture geared towards helping women gardeners realise their dreams.” She said TANGO has previously had the same engagement with the Bakau women gardeners in February and they are planning to visit many other gardens in the future. “We discuss with the women on issues related to climate change and the bad consequence it entails. We are partnering with the women’s bureau and the UN to ensure that we address the need of women in the Gambia,” she said. “The participation of women at all levels and the strengthening of the women’s movement has never been so critical, working together with women, to empower nations, build stronger economies and healthier societies,” she added. Masary Jatta and Amie Ndure Cham, all women gardeners in Sukuta, decried inadequate water and the lack of availability of a competitive market.]]>