Adama Barrow, President Of The Republic Of The Gambia
By Ramatoulie Jawo
In his State of the Nation address on Thursday, His Excellency President Adama Barrow reassured lawmakers that his government remains steadfast in enforcing the ban on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in The Gambia.
“Honorable Speaker, noteworthy is the Private Member Bill to repeal the Women’s Amendment Act 2015 currently under review by the Legislature. While awaiting its outcome, the Government remains committed to enforcing the prohibition of FGM in The Gambia,” he said.
The Women (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to repeal the ban on FGM/C, was introduced by Hon. Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala constituency. This bill has sparked significant public controversy, particularly among Islamic groups and activists who are divided on the practice of FGM/C.
Looking ahead to 2024, President Barrow announced plans to expand the special court for children to handle more cases and to establish a forensic lab dedicated to processing evidence in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly rape.
To ensure effective women’s participation, President Barrow urged the National Assembly to approve the Private Member Bill advocating for a thirty percent (30%) governance quota for affirmative action.
“These efforts demonstrate our dedication to transforming the social welfare landscape by creating a safer and more equitable space for women and children in The Gambia,” he added.
He also informed the lawmakers about the introduction of a victims’ support fund aimed at facilitating the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of victims of SGBV.
“Mr. Speaker, my administration has reinforced the legal framework to protect the rights of women, girls, and persons with disabilities through several Acts. In 2023, we established special courts, specifically to handle cases related to child custody and other child-related issues,” he said.
In financial terms, President Barrow revealed that the Ministry of Gender, Women, and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the National Social Protection Secretariat, has implemented a government-funded initiative to mainstream social assistance, allocating substantial funds amounting to thirty million Dalasis (D30,000,000.00).
“Earlier this year alone, the Women’s Enterprise Fund distributed funds to eight thousand, four hundred (D8,400) women across the West Coast Region, North Bank Region, and Central River Region. Also, financial assistance was extended to persons with disabilities from the Disability Fund,” the Gambian Leader told Lawmakers.