While speaking at the Inter Party committee inauguration of the women regional chapter,the Executive Coordinator of Banjul honourable,Ebrima Jawo
told women leaders that Banjul as the capital city takes the lead in most areas and encourages the delegates to advocate for more women representation in key decisions making platforms including the local political field.
Hon Jawo further stated that Banjul has in the past produced women leaders who paved the way for many other women. Reference was made to the likes of St Claire Joof, Augustus Jawara, Louise Njie, Elizabeth Renner, Fatou matta Jahumpha Ceesay and many others.
The Inter Party Committee of The Gambia, with support from the UNDP, inaugurated the women regional chapter of the committee in Banjul on Monday 23rd June 2025 at Mccarthy Square.
The event brought together female representatives from various political parties and civil society groups within Banjul.
Further more; They discussed strategies for empowering women to take on higher positions in government and other institutions.
Key issues discussed included the low participation of women in policy-making, political challenges, discrimination, and the lack of protection for women’s rights, particularly their right to be voted for.
The committee also highlighted major challenges women face, such as:
Limited access to leadership opportunities
Cultural and societal barriers
Gender-based discrimination
Intimidation in political spaces
To address these issues, the following solutions were proposed:
Strengthening laws and policies that support gender
Promoting awareness on women’s rights and political participation
Establishing support systems to protect women from discrimination and abuse
The meeting concluded with a call for unity among political parties to work together in promoting women’s empowerment and inInter-Partyall levels of decision-making.
