Source: The Point
The minister of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare has revealed that women make up about 51% of the country's population with a literacy level of about 48.1% between the ages of 15 - 49, according to MICS 2018 report.
Kajally Sonko, who was speaking on behalf of the minister made this disclosure on Friday during the launch of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) newly rolled out project called - 'No Woman Left Behind'. The event also saw the signing of an MoU between The Gambia National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on raising awareness on human rights issues and Tourism.
He explained that the 'No Woman Left Behind' training program is aimed at building the capacity of vulnerable women through responsible tourism in The Gambia and for migrant returnees, domestic workers, and young women at risk of exploitation.
"However, women empowerment is a critical enabler for sustainable development," he stated.
In spite of growing recognition of the differential vulnerabilities among women as well as the unique experiences and skills they bring to development efforts, Sonko observed that women still have less economic, political, and legal influence and are less able to cope with and are more exposed to inequalities and biases.
He reiterated that women make up 51% of the population with literacy levels standing at 48.1% among ages 15 - 49 according to MICS 2018 report.
"At least 7 in 10 Gambian women have experienced a form of physical violence in their life."
Nyang indicated that the scheme is to actively endeavor to promote gender equality in terms of recruitment and advertising and undertaking all aspects of college procedures.
"Our institution together with our committed partner in Spain is all geared towards providing training for vulnerable women in the promotion of responsible tourism."
He thanked their partners for the trust and confidence reposed in ITTOG in supporting the initiative, while also thanking NHRC for agreeing to work with them in raising awareness on human rights issues and tourism.
Speakers at the launch included Dr Cherno Omar Barry, who made a statement on behalf of the chairman of NHRC, Emmanuel Joof on the 'Need for Human Rights Education in all Schools, Adama Bah, made an introduction to the 'No Woman Left Behind' project and Mrs Tabu Sarr from CSO Gender Platform dwelled on 'Skills and Entrepreneurship Training for women'.