Source: All Africa
Oley Njie-Mbye, the chief executive officer of Gambia Women's Finance Association (GAWFA), has said that women have effective leadership skills and the ability to manage meager resources.

She made these remarks recently at Sheraton Hotel &Spa in Brufut, during a six-day training of trainers on management development. The training was organized by Women's World Banking (WWB), Citigroup and Gambia Women's Finance Association (GAWFA), with support form Spanish Agency for International Cooperation. It brought together participants from eight African countries.

The course was designed to help mid-level managers in micro-finance institutions to clarify their roles and responsibilities and also improve their strategic thinking through practical exercise based on technical knowledge in micro finance. Madam Njie-Mbaye, reminded participants that the world is rapidly changing and that people must be flexible and adapt well to change. "We should be able to wear different hats everyday and embrace both leadership and management skills with trust, integrity, diversity and respect for all," she added.

She further called on the participants to always lead by example and take the lead where necessary particularly in huddles, meetings and projects. This, she said will enable them to experience what leadership is all about. She also urged the participants to consider their subordinates; to identify their strengths and areas of improvement and fine the necessary resources to make positive contribution in their coaching and mentoring sessions.

"Although there are challenges and obstacles, yet laying the foundation is the key to reach the mission and vision of the organization," she explained. She described leadership as being all about good governance, and called on the participants not to assume that they can only develop their leadership skills from immediate bosses; rather they should be diversed in their search for knowledge, and wisdom.

Ebrima Jawara, project coordinator of the Rural Finance Project at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the joint government of the Gambia and IFAD-funded Rural Finance Project is key to improving the microfinance sector of The Gambia. "Our objectives include the institutional strengths of MFIs, especially the VISACAs, NACCUG and GAWFA. We also provide support to the technical service provider, particularly the Microfinance Promotion Center, The Gambia Micro Finance Network, the Central Bank of the Gambia micro finance department, The NAVISACA network and the MICRO firms network," he revealed.

According to him, to guarantee the success and sustainability of the micro finance sector, emphasis should be placed on effective coordination of policy and result. "Specific policy action should include the effective monitoring of MFIs goverance structure and their financial disclosure, ensuring that critical masses are met," he said. He expressed optimism that the workshop will go a long way in equipping participants to acquire new skills and techniques in leadership, as well be able to apply their new skills and knowledge amongst their colleagues and rural people, especially women. 

• Gambia