Madam Agnes Guillaud was speaking recently during the celebrations of the International Women's Day, organised by the European Union Delegation in the Gambia at the Alliance Franco-Gambienne.
She revealed that violence against women is still present and that up to 80 percent of girls are submitted to the practice of female genital mutilation, which she said is a violation of their integrity.
She stressed that discrimination and violence against women are among the issues that the EU strives to address in their cooperation with partner countries including The Gambia.
"The EU places particular emphasis on education for girls, because we believe that it is education that provides the key to equipping women to become independent, defend their rights, report violence, and participate in the political and economic processes of their country," she asserted.