TGA, UNICEF training on reproductive health ends today

By Juldeh Njie The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Girls Agenda will today conclude a 5-day empowerment camp for 50 girls within the West Coast Region at the Child Fund lodge in Bwiam. The training themed “Progress for adolescent girls requires the guarantee of their sexual and reproductive health rights” kicked off last Friday. The Girls’ Empowerment camp, according to the organisers seeks to provide a platform where girls will have the confidence to speak to end all harmful practices and violence. In her opening remarks, UNICEF country Representative Sara Beysolow Nyanti lauded The Girls Agenda for initiating such a camp that will cover an intensive introduction to comprehensive sexuality education, life skills, including leadership skills, education and mentorship for girls among others. “UNICEF will continue to support the government and the girls’ agenda to ensure that no child is left behind, especially as we strive to attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” she said. “UNICEF is the lead organisation working on issues affecting children in the Gambia; as a result, we are very proud to associate ourselves with this initiative, as it provides an opportunity to further highlight various areas of concern with regard to children in the Gambia. Furthermore it provides an opportunity to dialogue and come up with solutions to the challenges that children face, with the view that our joint efforts will lead to sustainable results for children”, she added. Meanwhile the Board Chairperson of The Girls’ Agenda, Mrs Abbie Barrow gave a solidarity statement on young people’s progress and development through leadership and empowerment. She underscored the important role and contributions of TGA in improving the lives of girls and young women. Mrs Barrow also highlighted The Girls Agenda’s willingness to invest in girls and women, stressing that they will continue to empower and educate girls. The Girls’ Agenda Partnership & Networking Manager, Ms Oumie Sissokho Kinteh highlighted the importance of the activity and thanked UNICEF and partners for the timely intervention and their investment in girls and women in The Gambia. . The UNFPA country director, Tunday thanked TGA for the active role they play in ensuring that girls are given the right they deserved. “|Girls and women are key developers of our society; therefore they should be protected from all forms of violence. This is what the girls’ agenda is doing,” he concluded.]]>