Dr Isatou Touray, head of Gamcotrap, told journalists at a daylong training and awareness creation on promoting effective participation of women in governance and leadership positions: “Women are not a threat to men and therefore that perception in men should be eliminated. It is just a matter of addressing gender imbalances just to make The Gambia a better place for all. Let me make it clear that it is not about women edging out men, not about women wanting to take over from men. It is about women claiming their legitimate rights within the framework of democracy, human rights and freedom to participate in leadership positions that are necessary to build a better nation. Men alone cannot do it; women alone cannot do it. We have to be together to be able to do it as a nation.
“Women have the rights, duties and responsibilities to be part of decision-making processes. In the whole issue of engaging and promoting advancement of women, men must not see this debate as a threat to their existence. It should be seen as a very progressive approach towards addressing gender imbalances and inequalities that are happening in the field of politics.”
The executive director of Gamcotrap said a few months ago, her organisation engaged women from different political backgrounds to discuss measures that can assist women within their various political parties in terms of achieving leadership.
She said the political playing field is unlevel, and is skewed in favour of men. “There should be respect for women’s leadership roles.”
Mr Gibairu Janneh, executive director of the Gambia Press Union said: “The media is here to promote a just, free society based on democracy, rule of law and freedom and I hope you will demonstrate that in your respective papers and radios for women to participate in seeking political positions.”
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