World Bank Hosts Gambian Forum on Women’s Leadership and Cultural Shifts
By Mariama Dem
Marking International Women’s Day on March 8th, the World Bank office in The Gambia hosted a day-long forum centered around the global theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
The event, held at the OIC Center in Bijilo on Wednesday March 6th, brought together Cabinet Ministers, National Assembly Members, members of the diplomatic corps, and high-level delegates. Its aim was to amplify the voices of women by raising awareness and inspiring action to promote women’s participation across all levels of Gambian society.
During the forum, the World Bank Country Director in The Gambia, Keiko Miwa, acknowledged the progress made in advancing gender equality while emphasizing the critical role that women play in society. Miwa highlighted the importance of addressing issues affecting women and implementing policies to empower them to participate equally in all aspects of life.
Notably, Miwa raised concerns about the introduction of the Women’s Amendment Bill by the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala on Monday before parliament, urging all actors to rally against its potential repeal of existing protections.
The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Claudiana Cole, stressed the essence of investing in women for the progress of any nation, noting that societies cannot advance if women are left behind. She underscored the ongoing struggles that women face and the need for continuous efforts to empower and support them in their endeavors.
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s efforts in supporting women’s advancement in The Gambia. Kinteh highlighted strides made, such as establishing the Women Enterprise Fund and the anti-FGM law, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to doing more.
Panel discussions during the event explored topics such as “Women in Leadership: Shaping a More Inclusive Future for The Gambia” and “Cultural Shifts on Challenging Norms to Accelerate Gender Equality in The Gambia.” These discussions shed light on the importance of female representation in leadership roles and the impact of cultural perceptions on women’s opportunities.
On International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, the world honors the achievements and contributions of women across various fields while recognizing the challenges and barriers that women continue to face globally. The commitment to working towards a more inclusive and equal society for all remains a central focus of the day’s commemoration.