Group photo of officials & Trainees after the opening ceremony
By Buba Gagigo
Maa Foundation and partners are currently conducting a 2-day training for aspiring female politicians in the Gambia ahead of the local government elections.
The project, which is funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) aims to promote gender equality in politics and leadership, as well as support women’s financial independence and ability to escape poverty.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of Maa Foundation said the project is being implemented in four phases.
She said during the first phase, community, political party heads, and religious leaders were engaged to sensitize them on the importance of supporting women in decision-making and leadership positions.
“The second phase involved a regional sensitization campaign to encourage women’s participation in politics, leadership, and peace-building across all regions.
The third phase, which is currently underway, focuses on capacity-building training for aspiring women politicians. This training aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their political careers, especially with the upcoming elections,” she said.
She said In the fourth and final phase, the project will empower women to be self-sufficient and financially independent.
“This phase includes building six women’s gardens, renovating a processing facility, and a skills training center. We believe that this project will have a significant impact on empowering women and promoting gender equality. We express our gratitude to the UNFPA for their support in making this project a reality,” she explains.
Mrs. Ndey Rose Sarr, the United Nations Population Fund country representative said the project will also actively address constraints of women’s participation in the Gambia, which include the strengthening of National legislation, legal framework, and political parties’ bylaws to ensure an increase in women’s political participation and promote more women on political leadership.
The Director of Gender Equality, Women Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare also says Women’s participation is necessary to advance gender equality.
The two-day capacity-building training is aimed at promoting gender equality in politics and leadership, as well as supporting women’s financial independence and ability to escape poverty.