The Vice President and Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs, Dr Ajaratou Isatou Njie-Saidy has emphasised that the government of the Gambia is very much alive to the rights and welfare of Gambian women, noting that government will live no stone unturned in its strive to empower women.      

In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mass Axi Gaye at the opening ceremony of a three-day Gender workshop which coincided with 30th anniversary celebration of African Alliance of YMCAs held last Monday at the Mansea Beach Hotel in Kololi, madam Njie Saidy said the Gambia government under the visionary and charismatic leader of President Jammeh attaches great importance to the advancement of Gambian women. She said that government would continue to collaborate with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) – the Gambian chapter in the attainment of their noble objectives.

She encouraged YMCA to continue to engage all stakeholders in their advocacy work with regards to gender related issues.

For his part, Mr Clifford M. Sileya, Chairman, Africa Alliance of YMCAs said ‘ as members of the global movement we are committed to the global goals of equality and have put in place mechanisms towards the attainment of gender equality in society’.

“This workshop is designed to contribute to the furtherance of this goal through the implementation of our platform and the adoption of our gender policy frame work,” he posited.

Speaking earlier, Mr Oreme Joiner, YMCA- the Gambia chapter Board Chairman said gender is not only a social right issue but also a human and development issue.

Mr Joiner used the occasion to pay a glowing tribute to Mr James Gomez of the Gambia YMCA for his tireless efforts in contributing towards the development of the continental organisation.

Other speakers at the ceremony include, Mr Bartholomew Shaha, Secretary General of World Alliance of YMCAs based in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Banjul meeting, chaired by Mr Carlos M Sanvee, Executive Secretary Africa Alliance of YMCAs was attended by delegates from across the African continent.