Dr Aja Isatou Njie- Saidy, Vice President and Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs, has said that the government has recognised the fact that gender equality, and women’s rights abuse has a negative impact on the socio-economic development of any country.

Veep Njie-Saidy made this remark in a statement she delivered on the 2007 International Women’s Day celebration which was observed yesterday around the globe.

According to her, it is in response to this that government, the Women’s Bureau and Council, in collaboration with partners, has developed programmes and activities, in pursuant of women’s legal, economic and social rights. Based on that ground, she went on a national policy for the advancement of Gambian women as formulated in 1990. I am pleased to inform you, that the Women’s Bureau, in collaboration with UNDP, has just concluded the Mid-Term Review, of this Women Policy, a process that update the policy, on issues like HIV/Aids, Rural Development ICT,” she added.

She revealed that March 8 has been celebrated globally each year as international Women’s Day, since 1975, to honour women’s advancement, while diligently reminding the struggles and continued vigilance and action required, to ensure that women’s equality is gained, and maintained in all aspects of life.

She said that the day has been gaining momentum annually, due to the efforts made by stakeholders resulting in the united Nation and governments, collaborative efforts on women’s rights protection, participation in social, political and economic processes, among other critical areas of concern.