Source: All Africa
Concern Universal Tuesday launched a women empowerment project at the governor's bantaba in Mansanjang, Basse, Upper River Region (URR).

The one-year, 90, 000 Euros project is funded by the Non-State Actors Programme under the European Development Fund, and will be implemented by Concern Universal in partnership with its partners, targeting NBR, LRR, CRR, and URR. The project, which will be implemented at the regional level by the Wuli and Sandu Development Agency (WASDA) is aimed at increasing the representation of women in local government particularly in the area councils.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Aja Mariama Jaw, lady councilor for Basse Ward applauded Concern Universal for coming with the project, which she described as very important and relevant, as it compliments the efforts of government in empowering the women of the country. She urged the women not to fold their hands and sit down but, instead start participating equally like men in national development.

For his part, Omar Sompo Ceesay, the chairman of the Basse Area Council, also thanked Concern Universal for the project, saying that women empowerment is among the top agendas of President Jammeh, who has appointed women to key government positions. He urged the women to emulate the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs. He finally assured of his council's continuous collaboration in the cause of women development.

The chiefs of Fulladou East and Sandu, Hammeh Minteh Krubally and Njun Bah respectively, both welcomed the project. They opined that empowering a woman is like empowering a man, since they are the mothers. They then thanked Concern Universal for the project. Alhaji Omar Khan, the governor of URR said the project is a compliment to the continuous efforts of the Gambian leader in empowering the women. While stressing that there cannot be any development in the absence of women participation, he thanked Concern Universal for the project and assured that it will be very successful in his region.

In his launching statement, Yahya Sanyang, the coordinator of Concern Universal explained that the project is about increasing women representation in local government, particularly in area councils. According to him, the project is funded by the Non-State Actors programme under the European Development Fund, with 10% contribution from Concern Universal.

Sanyang further explained that the project will look on ways to enhance the status of women by giving them voice, particularly in décision-making processes so as to take their rightful positions in national development. 

• Gambia