Human Rights of Women
Source: The Point
The European Union ambassador to The Gambia has said gender equality is a basic human right and as such it forms part of the core values of the EU and many other countries including The Gambia.
Attila Lajos, who is the head of the EU delegation in Banjul, made the statement on Saturday at Foni Kalagie during a forum as part of the implementation of the women's empowerment for change project.
The D3.5 million project is funded by the EU, SOS Children's Village The Gambia, SOS Children Village United Kingdom, and BAFROW.It is being implemented in the five communities of Foni Jarrol District: Kalagie, Sintet, Jarrol, Kampassa and Kan Mamadou.
The Saturday event in Foni Kalagie was part of international women day celebration which focused on accelerating gender parity
The EU diplomat pointed out that social, economic, and political empowerment of women is essential to achieve overall economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable peace and security in The Gambia.
Mr Lajos said in The Gambia, EU provides more than 800,000 euro about D40 million to improve women's rights through three projects implemented by civil society organisations.
It is co-financed and implemented by SOS Children Village UK, in closed partnership with SOS Children's Villages The Gambia, ChildFund and BAFROW.
Kutubo Sanyang, chief of Foni Jarrol District, said the people of the district are delighted with partners like EU, SOS and BAFROW for "the giant steps" to help improve the livelihood of rural women.
"Everyone in my district will pledge to take a concrete step to help women to achieve gender parity more quickly," the chief said."Starting from today, each and everyone one of us should pledge to move from talk to purposeful action and join forces to help women advancement."
Mariama Ginally, WEC project beneficiary, in a solidarity statement, said Gambian women are proud to handle important positions.
The event was enlivened by theatre performance by drama groups from the five communities of Foni Jarrol as well as the Gambia scot band.