Ndegen Jobe, The Speaker Of The National Youth Parliament
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia’s National Youth Parliament began its 2024 ordinary session on Monday, marking the start of two days of discussions on key issues impacting young people across the country.
As a non-profit, non-partisan body, the National Youth Parliament was established to elevate the voices of Gambian youth and advocate on their behalf.
In her address, Deputy Speaker Ndegen Jobe, presiding over the sitting, emphasized the importance of not only deliberating on youth issues but also tackling essential national priorities that will shape the future of the Gambia.”The recently concluded census has revealed that young people now constitute over 70% of the Gambia’s population, this statistic alone reinforces the imperative role of youth in defining our nation’s course. The national youth parliament proudly represents a diverse and inclusive body of 53 constituency representatives, 7 nominated women from various regions, and two representatives for persons with disabilities, reflecting a remarkable 47% women’s representation. This level of inclusivity is a testament to our unwavering dedication to ensuring all sectors of society find a place within our work,” she said.
She explained that this year’s session centers on a vital topic: the 2024 draft constitution, which has now been gazetted.
“After extensive consultation with our constituencies and holding regional forums with youth and other key stakeholders, we are prepared to bring forward youth perspectives on the draft’s most significant provisions. These discussions will address pressing concerns and opportunities for young Gambians as we seek to ensure that the new constitution reflects a balanced approach to governance with adequate checks and balances that uphold our democratic values,” she highlighted.
Jobe also stressed the session’s focus on the nation’s transitional justice process, a journey she called crucial to peace, stability, and development in the Gambia.
“Following the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), our commitment to a never again stance must be deeply rooted in robust coordination, progressiveness, and inclusive. The implementation of the TRRC recommendations is central to ensuring that the injustices of the past are not repeated,” she said.
Jobe remarked that at this pivotal moment, reform has become a central mission for youth leaders and representatives, who have actively gathered input from young Gambians regarding the draft constitution.
“Through numerous constituency dialogues, regional forums, and open discussions, young people have voiced their needs, concerns and hopes. They seek a constitution that genuinely promotes checks and balances, prevents the consolidation of executive powers, and upholds democratic principles. This draft constitution must be a beacon of hope for all Gambians and serve as the framework through which justice, equality and fairness are upheld,” she said.
She highlighted that over the past year, the National Youth Parliament has actively promoted youth well-being, protection, and empowerment through a series of initiatives across the country.
Their efforts, she noted, have extended into critical areas, tackling some of the most pressing challenges faced by Gambian youth today.