By Sarjo M. Camara, Communications Officer, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare
Hon. Minister Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, held a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with UN Women Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director, Mrs. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda.
Mrs. Gumbonzvanda reaffirmed UN Women’s steadfast commitment to gender equality and expressed gratitude to Minister Kinteh for approving the political declaration during the opening of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 10, 2025. She emphasized that UN Women would continue supporting The Gambia post-CSW, anchored on the proposed “Action Agenda 6+1,” which outlines six thematic priority areas for implementation in 2025.
Reflecting on discussions with member states regarding the “Pact for the Future” and ongoing efforts to revitalize the Commission on the Status of Women, Mrs. Gumbonzvanda praised The Gambia for launching the campaign to end child marriage, acknowledging the nation’s dedication to human rights. “You have the Banjul Commission and the Banjul Charter a magnificent commitment to promoting human rights principles,” she remarked.
Addressing the repeal of the Women’s Amendment Act 2015 (FGM Law), Mrs. Gumbonzvanda commended The Gambia for protecting the rights of women and girls. She highlighted The Gambia’s willingness to engage in national discussions and empower institutions to make informed decisions as a global model for addressing health and well-being challenges.
In her response, Hon. Minister Kinteh reiterated The Gambia’s commitment to promoting and protecting women and girls’ rights. She expressed appreciation for UN Women’s partnership and emphasized the importance of having a UN Women physical presence in The Gambia. Minister Kinteh acknowledged the significant investment made by the government and civil society organizations (CSOs) in combating FGM, which has greatly impacted the implementation of the joint program on FGM.
She described the government’s strategy to uphold the anti-FGM law as both strategic and effective. Key actions included establishing a Cabinet Committee and a National Steering Committee (NSC) comprising CSOs, NGOs, government bodies, and faith-based organizations. The government’s political will, demonstrated by H.E. the President of the Republic of The Gambia, aimed to reduce political tensions, clarify the government’s stance, and support legislative engagement. Minister Kinteh emphasized that economic empowerment for women is critical to addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and called for strengthened partnerships and collaboration.
Minister Kinteh was accompanied by Lamin Dibba, Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the United Nations: Mr. Momodou Lamin Bah, Ambassador of The Gambia to Washington; Ms. Rohieyatou Kah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare; and Mr. Kajali Sonko, Deputy Permanent Secretary at MoGCSW. UN Women staff members Molline Marume joined UN Women Deputy Executive Director Mrs. Gumbonzvanda, Thematic Lead for the GBV Action Coalition, and Isatou Badjie, Thematic Lead for the Economic Justice and Rights Action Coalition.
