By Sarjo M. Camara
The National Coordinator for the Network Against Gender-Based Violence, Fallou Sowe, participated as a panelist at a side event organized by the Governments of The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Italy (TBC), and UNFPA during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) conference on March 17th at the UN Headquarters.
Moderated by Ms. Cecile Mazzacurati, Gender & Human Rights Advisor at UNFPA, the event was titled “Towards the Achievement of the Beijing Platform for Action in West Africa: A Call for Transformative Action, Strategic Partnerships, and Movement Building.”
During the session, Ms. Mazzacurati posed a critical question to Mr. Sowe:
“What are you doing to maintain the results achieved during the FGM ban repeal process and scale up such an initiative to achieve long-term gains on gender equality and women’s empowerment? Do you believe in the power of women?”
Mr. Sowe’s Response was both passionate and resolute:
“I do believe in it because it was the power of women that helped maintain the anti-FGM law. Women survivors, activists, and community members mobilized to ensure the law was not repealed.”
He recalled recent challenges, including a failed attempt to repeal the Women’s Amendment Act 2015 by a National Assembly Member. In response, Gambian CSOs (Civil Society Organizations), coordinated by NaGBV, mobilised under the CSO Coalition to safeguard the anti-FGM law. Their collective efforts led to international attention and pressure, ultimately resulting in the law being upheld.
To advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, Mr. Sowe outlined several initiatives:
- Strengthening Partnerships: Ongoing collaboration with UN agencies, donors, and relevant ministries to enhance the enforcement of women’s rights laws and secure funding.
- Gender-Transformative Approaches: Strategies to change harmful gender norms and increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making.
- Economic Empowerment: Raising funds to support women’s economic empowerment, which will help increase their political participation and representation.
- Education and Technology: Scaling up girls’ education, particularly in higher education and technology fields, to equip young women for equal competition in the workforce.
- Positive Masculinity Programs: Community-based programs to challenge harmful gender norms and foster respect for women and girls.
- Advocacy Against Gender-Based Violence: Continuing efforts to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices.
Mr. Sowe emphasized that gender-based violence not only violates women’s rights but also severely impacts education, productivity, and political participation. He expressed optimism that with support from development partners, UN agencies, and the government, these initiatives will help maintain the gains achieved through the anti-FGM law and contribute to long-term progress in women’s empowerment.
The event brought together key development partners and representatives from across West Africa, with The Gambia’s delegation strongly contributing to the discussion and ensuring that the country’s efforts in advancing gender equality were well represented.
Reported from New York by Sarjo M. Camara, Communications Officer, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare
