By Sariba Manneh
International Trade Centre (|TC) and UNFPA, in partnership with the Kerewan Area Council and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), has launched a One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support Centre in Faratenni worth seven (7) million Dalasi (USD100,000.00).
The center is built by ITC and UNFPA under the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund project, to address economic social Challenges, supporting entrepreneurship, cross-border trade and survivors of gender-based Violence.
Furthermore, the centre has a Trade Information and Border Assistance Office to address challenges faced by small-scale cross-border traders in completing border formalities. Crucial trade information and resources will be readily available and the GBV support centre will provide critical health, legal and psycho-social services to Survivors in a safe space with a view to promoting prevention as well as justice and healing.
Hon. Lamin Saidykhan said the initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote the economic empowerment of vulnerable women and youth and to protect the rights and dignity of those affected by gender-based violence.
“The project we celebrate today, Localizing Sustainable Development Goals—Improving the Livelihoods of Vulnerable Women and Youth around the Senegambia Bridge is a beacon of hope and progress for our region,” he said.
He stated that the One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship Centre is a symbol of opportunity and empowerment. It will serve as a hub for innovation, training, Support and equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, he said, adding that the Centre’s comprehensive services, from business advisory support to access to finance and cross-border trade assistance, unlock the full potential of local economy, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
“Equally important is the establishment of the Gender-Based Violence Victim Centre, a safe haven for those who have suffered from the scourge of violence. This Centre will provide vital services, including case reporting, counselling, and support for survivors, ensuring that they have the resources and protection they need to rebuild their lives,” he added.
Papa Tunkara, the chairman of Kerewan Area Council, said the One Stop Shop Entrepreneurs Center is a timely initiative with overwhelming importance which will create enormous economic and investment opportunities for women and other vulnerable groups within their geographical area.
“Local government authorities will also benefit significantly from this initiative through human resource, capacity building programs and activities and of course this would make all of us better prepared to execute and implement our respective mandates. I encourage members of society especially women, to take ownership of this One Stop Shop Entrepreneurs Center and to take advantage of the economic and investment opportunities that the center provides,” he added.
Mr. Baboucarr Sallah, ITC country Representative said their vision is for the centre to be a hub for nurturing business ideas, addressing gender-based violence, and fostering entrepreneurial growth. In the weeks, months, and years to come, their success will be measured by the outcomes. They are confident the project will have a transformative impact, complementing a range of interventions by stakeholders and partners in the socio-economic domain in the North Bank Region.
Ousainou Senghore the CEO of GIEPA said the establishment of the centre is a response to a critical need, a need to decentralize and extend vital economic and social support services to the heart of rural Gambia.
“This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with everything necessary to foster entrepreneurship, support business growth, and provide essential services to those affected by gender-based violence. The training rooms will be buzzing with the exchange of ideas, the nurturing of skills, and the building of capacity. The shared offices for Business Support Organizations (BSOs) will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and business development,” he said.
PS at the Ministry of Trade Lamin Dampha said the first One-Stop-shop Entrepreneurship and GBV Centre in rural Gambia, is an initiative that is designed to provide comprehensive economic and social support services to the communities of NBR and LRR as part of their ongoing efforts to decentralize MSME development across the nation.
“One of the key priorities of the Ministry is the development of micro, small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity building, business development, investment promotion, building partnership, improve business environment, and provide market linkages,” he explains.
Karl Frederick Paul, UN Resident Coordinator, said they remain committed to supporting the government and people of the Gambia in addressing GBV and its resulting impact, through investments in gender equality and women’s empowerment programmes, strengthening the institutional capacity of government and other partners to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response and supporting community sensitisation programmes that influence positive change in behaviours and perceptions regarding GBV.
Established at a cost of 7 million Dalasi (USD 100,000.00), the centre directly addresses the need for decentralised economic and social services, particularly in rural areas.
