By Buba Gagigo
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Kerewan Area Council, Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), and the Gambia Association for Local Government Authorities, have officially launched a One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support Center in Farafenni.
According to a statement shared with Kerr Fatou, the centre was established under the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, funded by ITC and UNFPA.
“The centre aims to address both economic and social challenges. This initiative supports entrepreneurship, cross-border trade and survivors of GBV. The 7 million Dalasi (USD 100,000) funding covered the construction, furnishing and operationalisation of the centre.
“The centre provides services such as training, business advisory, business registration, packaging and labelling assistance and market linkages. These services aim to enhance the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, subsequently promoting innovation and creating employment opportunities,” ITC said in a statement.
Additionally, the centre houses a Trade Information and Border Assistance Office to help small-scale cross-border traders navigate border formalities.
“Crucial trade information and resources are readily available. In addition, the GBV support centre provides health, legal and psycho-social services to survivors in a safe space with a view to promoting prevention as well as justice and healing. Baboucarr Sallah, ITC Country Representative (a.i.), shared: “Our vision for this centre is to be a hub for nurturing business ideas, addressing GBV issues and fostering economic growth. ITC remains committed to working with partners to advance women and youth economic empowerment for national development.” ITC said.
According to ITC, the centre goes beyond business development by providing essential support for survivors of gender-based violence.
The new One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship and GBV Support Center offers the people of Farafenni and surrounding communities a vital resource for building their businesses while also supporting vulnerable individuals. Through this initiative, ITC, UNFPA, and their partners reaffirm their commitment to promoting sustainable development in rural Gambia.