By Olimatou Coker
Maa Foundation for Women, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and with support from UNDP through the Peacebuilding Funds, proudly celebrated National Women’s Day (8th March) with a commemorative program held on 4th April 2024, focusing on advancing women’s leadership and empowerment across The Gambia.
Speaking at the program, the CEO of Maa Foundation for Women, Fatoumata Jawara-Dukureh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to partners and participants for their dedication to promoting women’s voices in governance and community development, noting that this initiative marks a milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and young girls.
As part of its advocacy especially following active engagement during the recent local government elections Maa Foundation officially launched the “Network of Women in Politics and Leadership”, a mentorship platform comprising 58 outstanding Gambian women committed to strengthening solidarity, leadership, and mentorship among women in politics and public service.
Rose Nitunga, UNDP representative, “Women’s economic empowerment means ensuring women can equally participate in and benefit from decent work and social protection, access markets and have control over resources and meaningful participation in economic decision-making processes.” She said
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, sais If a woman is empowered her system improves; when a woman earns income, the first things she addresses are accommodation, feeding, health, and education—more especially the education of the girl-child. Therefore, empowerment of women is not only good but is the right thing to do.
“The Network of Women in Politics and Leadership aims to inspire and support women at all levels to pursue leadership roles, champion gender equity, and uphold integrity and purpose in public life. She explained
This initiative, supported by UNDP through the Peacebuilding Funds, reflects Maa Foundation’s credibility and enduring mission to empower women and young girls, building an inclusive society where women’s leadership is recognized as vital to national growth and sustainable development.
