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Momodou
Denmark
11686 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Aug 2011 : 17:49:00
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Political parties asked to increase women’s political representation
By S.M.K. Marenah & Adama K. Jallow
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Political parties in the country have been urged to increase the percentage of women’s political representation ahead of the scheduled presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
The call was made yesterday by Janet R. Sallah-Njie, president of the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG) at a day-long sensitization forum held for all political parties organized by the association and the Inter-party Committee under the aegis of the Independent Electoral Commission.
The forum was, among others, geared towards sensitizing political parties on the need to ensure that women are represented at all levels of decision making, especially at the National Assembly level.
It was also expected to elicit commitment from all political parties on temporary special measures they intend to put in place to ensure that women’s are adequately represented in the forthcoming elections.
Addressing the forum, attended by party representatives of the UDP, NRP, ruling APRC, PDOIS as well as GMC, Janet said her association’s objectives are to lobby for gender equality in the Gambia through legislative reforms, public education and advocacy.
“Our vision is to procure changes to the laws of the Gambia for the protection and well-being of women and children in order to ensure the elimination of violence against them, freedom of expression and education,” she said, adding that this will enable women’s potential participation in the development process of the country.
According to her, the realization of her association’s vision and mission would be attained if they are able to successfully lobby for women to be adequately represented in decision making bodies at the highest level, thereby ensuring that they directly influence policy and law-making.
The FLAG president told the forum that national statistics suggest that women are the majority in The Gambia and they constitute majority of registered voters, and that they are always instrumental in the success or otherwise of all political parties during elections.
In other words, she added, any party that does not have the support of women’s is doomed to fail.
Ms Cindy Gregg, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Banjul said women in political decision making is an issue dear and close to her heart.
“Women are natural leaders,” she said, adding that Harriet Harman of the UK government, after a visit to Tanzania and Sierra Leone, reported that women are crucial players in developing good governance.
“They lead from the ground–up, not top-down. Women look for support of their peers- not the votes of the rich or top government leaders. Women are concerned that everyone’s needs are met. Women seek the confidence of other women – they build coalitions naturally. By virtue of being a woman and a mother, they put their needs second - the needs of their families and their communities are first,” she added.
According to the US diplomat, women’s voices have been channeled through their children and men long enough.
“Others have spoken for us. Now is the time to speak out directly, to act directly, and to understand concretely that women are the best change makers,” she said, adding that The Gambia is the perfect place to make this happen.
Emmanuel Agim, Chief Justice of the Gambia, commended FLAG for being so proactive in carrying out their activities.
He noted that women constitute the majority of the population, and they also play a crucial role in the socio economic development of The Gambia in various ways.
“In The Gambia, the agricultural sector is largely dominated by women,” he said, while calling on all political parties to ensure the full participation of women in politics.
Sheriff M Tambedou, president of the Gambia Bar Association, said that laws have been put in place to ensure or promote gender quality and equal opportunities, and The Gambia is not an exception.
Source: The Point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2011 : 18:58:17
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Excellent idea, Gambian men have had their chance in the past and proved wanting,let the women have a go and maybe Gambia will show some improvement.There has been the Empowerment of Women programme,but the women have no political clout to make things happen .
The Point again is trying to make changes if it can it would have been a feather in the cap of the administration if THEY had suggested this through the Daily Observer Editorial column,as H.E. has the measure of MOST Gambian men, Attaya anyone? where is the sugar and kerry ? |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 25 Aug 2011 19:02:54 |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 01:34:32
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Toubab, I completely agree. I think it is high time Gambians put women in the forefront in our political struggle.
I know for a fact that we have very competent and highly educated women who can step up and take control of the reign of government.
I think we are missing a womans' touch in addressing our political, social and economic woes. So many successful Gambian women are serving in non Governmental areas, the UN and even in government who can step up and take up the challenges of running our country...
They however, needs a lot of encouragement and the men should be rallying behind them and encourage them to take up the challenge.
Some great example of Gambian women who have shown courage are the iron ladies Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Fatou Jaw Manneh, Sigga Jagne, Dr. Isatou Ceesay, Fatoumata Tambajang, Awa Ceesay Sabally, Amie Bensouda currently serving in ICC, Amie Sillah of PDOIS,Beatrice Allen,Janet R. Sallah-Njie, Dr Fatoumata Jallow and countless others... Gambia certainly does not lack capable Gambian women who can take the mantle to the next level..
In fact, when these people are encouraged and they agree to step up... they can easily take down President Jammeh...
So yes, absolutely we need our women to try their turns and those of us men who are not afraid to rally behind a strong woman will do everything within our powers to get them to the next level... to support a strong woman does not make one any less manly!!! In fact we should show our manliness by empowering our women to be as independent as possible...
I have been and will continue to call for our sisters to take up the challenge.... What say you sisters??? |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
Edited by - dbaldeh on 26 Aug 2011 01:36:47 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 02:28:45
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| I fear you may have misunderstood, my post was not a cry for women to "easily take down President Jammeh.." but to the fact that women would make a better job of politics than SOME men.I agree with you when you wrote "In fact we should show our manliness by empowering our women to be as independent as possible..." and yes be aware and be accepted in the political world of Gambian politics where they are under represented at the moment. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 02:41:29
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Toubab, I was actually responding to the original content of the article but since you have rejoinded I decided to reference your post.
Actually there is nothing wrong for you to cry for women to take up the challenge because I know you mean well for Gambia and would like to see our country move forward. I think having our women active in politics can only help to further our course...
You may agree that women in fact may be affected more when there is war, farmin, instability and job insecurity... they need a safer place for their kids, spouses and or families... off course taking nothing away from men... but most harness, war and farmine is brought in this world by men and our egos..
I trust my life in the hands of a woman more than a fellow man... again no disrespect for all you strong men out there... just talking about emphaty!!! |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Momodou
Denmark
11686 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 12:35:18
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‘Political Parties Success Hinges on Women ’
By Abdoulie Bah
Friday, August 26, 2011
 The Female Lawyer Association of The Gambia (FLAG) on Wednesday organised a day-long forum that seeks to elicit commitment in political parties to increase women’s representation in Gambian politics.
The forum, which brought together various political parties in The Gambia, was held at Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.
“Women constitute majority of registered voters, and that they are always instrumental in the success or otherwise of all political parties during elections” Janet R. Sallah-Njie, the president of FLAG has said.
“In other words, any party that does not have the support of women’s is doomed to fail.”
She urged political parties in the Gambia to ensure that women are represented at all levels of decision making.
The forum came barely few months before the presidential elections in the Gambia. Among the current presidential aspirants, there is no female. Of 53 members at the parliament, there are only four women – two elected and two nominated, including deputy speaker.
But with the National Assembly elections coming early 2012 and local government in 2013, Janet calls on political parties to put measures in place to have greater female representation at the parliament and local government levels.
“Others have spoken for us. Now is the time to speak out directly, to act directly, and to understand concretely that women are the best change makers,” said Ms Cindy Gregg, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Banjul.
The U.S diplomat believes that women are natural leaders, who lead from the ground–up, not top-down and look for support of their peers, not the votes of the rich or top government leaders.
As she put it: “Women are concerned that everyone’s needs are met. Women seek the confidence of other women – they build coalitions naturally. By virtue of being a woman and a mother, they put their needs second - the needs of their families and their communities are first.”
Source: Dailynews |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11686 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 13:33:18
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Political parties vow to elect women
By Sainey M.K. Marenah
Friday, August 26, 2011
Described by many political analysts as a move in the right direction, political parties vying for the 2011 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections have vowed to elect women to top political positions so as to ensure equal political representation at decision-making levels.
Remarks were made by all representatives of Gambian political parties, including the ruling APRC, UDP, NRP and PDOIS during presentations at a day-long sensitization forum for political parties organized by the Female Lawyers Association of the Gambia (FLAG) and the Inter-party Committee.
The forum, on the theme: “Temporary special measures to ensure women’s political participation”, brought together political party leaders, as well as a cross section of civil society organizations.
Presenting for the ruling APRC party, Samba Gagigo – First Administrative Secretary of the party, underscored the role of women in the socio-economic development of the country, noting that the ruling APRC recognizes that no national development programme would be successful without the effective participation and full support of the country’s women.
Women, he said, are indispensable partners in Gambia’s development process. According to him, the APRC shall pursue its deliberate policy of empowering women by appointing qualified and capable women in positions of authority and decision making.
“The APRC after coming to power appointed the first female Vice President, female ministers; the first accountant general was a female, secretary general and head of civil service and many other permanent secretaries were appointed,” he said, adding that this clearly demonstrated that the APRC has put women in top positions of decision-making.
He stated that the party would continue to encourage women’s political participation to the highest level, and that special opportunities would be accorded to women in decision making positions
Presenting for the United Democratic Party, Dr. Borro Susso, chairman of the Policy Committee of the UDP, noted that since its inception, his party categorically expressed its belief in the equality of sexes in matters of rights and privileges of citizens.
“This was consigned in the constitution of the party as one of the beacons of our policy. The development of the party from formation up to the present time has been made with the full participation of our members. The UDP women’s policy contained in its policy document of which the party manifesto for the forthcoming elections form part of, addressees women’s rights in all sectors with due recognition of their potential role in the socio-economic development of the country,” Dr Susso stated.
Presenting further, Dr Susso explained that the UDP intends to diagnose discrimination against women in various sectors of the economy, and address the problems they are confronted with. He added that the UDP party has adopted a document as its policy with regard to women.
According to him, the UDP shall address the empowerment of women in the education sector. He said empowerment of women requires their transformation from cheering leaders to decision makers.
“The UDP shall ensure the increasing participation of women in the decision- making process at district, regional and national levels. Participation must be from the decision-making level right down to implementation. Access to political decision-making must be secured at both local and national levels,” he added.
Also presenting was Samba Baldeh, Administrative Secretary of the opposition National Reconciliation Party (NRP), who told the gathering that, as a political party, the NRP has adequately provided special measures to ensure women’s participation in politics and decision-making bodies.
This, he said, is clearly spelt out in the party’s manifesto, which they are working tirelessly towards achieving.
According to Baldeh, it is very clear to all that the role of Gambian women is wide- ranging, and very important to the socio-economic and political development of this country.
However, he noted that the NRP is of the view that there is still considerable room for improvement with regard to women’s empowerment in the country.
“There cannot be any meaningful development without the full participation of women in all aspects of development life,” the NRP administrative secretary opined.
He stated that as part of his party’s future policy, the NRP will seek to make it possible for Gambian women to obtain the highest possible education with training in their profession commensurate with their abilities.
Baldeh further stated that it is his party’s belief that behind every successful man, there is a strong woman. He noted that to comply with the legal obligation, NRP shall endeavor to put up as much candidates as possible in all coming elections.
Renown gender activist, Amie Sillah, who presented for the Peoples Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) said her party is of the view that a strategic vision is needed to guide the formulation of policies and programmes that are designed to enhance greater parity in representative institutions.
According to Amie Sillah, PDIOS’s aims is to establish a democracy which would finally lead the people to exercise full control over the affairs of their society; a democracy based on a non-parasitic and responsive system of representation.
She stated that PDOIS sees the need to transform the party into a school for nurturing the sovereign woman, who is matured and conscious of her rights.
In her view, PDOIS stands for gender parity in appointing the members of all oversight institutions such as the IEC, the office of Ombudsman and National Council for Civic Education. She concluded that the party also stands for gender parity in filling the posts of president and vice president, among others.
Source: The Point |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 13:56:49
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Thanks for your clarification, appriciated.
quote:
Originally posted by dbaldeh
Toubab, I was actually responding to the original content of the article but since you have rejoinded I decided to reference your post.
Actually there is nothing wrong for you to cry for women to take up the challenge because I know you mean well for Gambia and would like to see our country move forward. I think having our women active in politics can only help to further our course...
You may agree that women in fact may be affected more when there is war, farmin, instability and job insecurity... they need a safer place for their kids, spouses and or families... off course taking nothing away from men... but most harness, war and farmine is brought in this world by men and our egos..
I trust my life in the hands of a woman more than a fellow man... again no disrespect for all you strong men out there... just talking about emphaty!!!
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 14:00:30
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It appears that everyone is in basic agreement, strange
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
Political parties vow to elect women
By Sainey M.K. Marenah
Friday, August 26, 2011
Described by many political analysts as a move in the right direction, political parties vying for the 2011 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections have vowed to elect women to top political positions so as to ensure equal political representation at decision-making levels.
Remarks were made by all representatives of Gambian political parties, including the ruling APRC, UDP, NRP and PDOIS during presentations at a day-long sensitization forum for political parties organized by the Female Lawyers Association of the Gambia (FLAG) and the Inter-party Committee.
The forum, on the theme: “Temporary special measures to ensure women’s political participation”, brought together political party leaders, as well as a cross section of civil society organizations.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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snuggels
960 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2011 : 14:15:02
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| I agree as the women do most of the work in the Gambia Im sure they would do a better job than what we have seen from the guys so far |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2011 : 02:55:15
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| RELATED AND COVERED ABOVE UDP to Empower women |
Edited by - kobo on 27 Aug 2011 03:03:02 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2011 : 05:33:38
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COURTESY OF MAAFANTA.COM WITH THIS TRIBUTE FROM OKO DRAMMEH, ON GOOD MEMORIES, SOCIAL, CULTURAL, POLITICAL AND HISTORICAL FACTS OF BANJUL "DAIMBA" (YESTERDAY) TO YA ARRET MBOGE A GAMBIAN WOMAN OF POLITICS AND CULTURE
MAY BE WE MAY BE LUCKY TO HEAR OKO DRAMMEH'S AUTHOR-BIOGRAPHY; INCLUDING SHARING HIS EXPERIENCE IN BANJUL CELLS DURING 1981 KUKOI SAMBA SANYANG COUP TRAGEDIES; ESPECIALLY STORY OF LATE FEMI JENG RADIO GAMBIA KING OF HEARTS THEN, LATE NYANGA SALLAH (EX-REAL DE- BANJUL STAR/NATIONAL SQUAD FOOTBALL SENSATION AND BROTHER OF KORO SALLAH ACCIDENTALLY CAUGHT IN LAWLESSNESS ON THAT FATEFUL DAY, WHILST HE CAME FOR HOLIDAYS WITH WIFE TO ENJOY BUT SADLY PASSED OUT AMONGST OTHERS UNDER DETENTION) 
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Edited by - kobo on 28 Aug 2011 05:44:43 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2011 : 20:32:14
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Intertwined amongst the long and waffling speech this was a paragraph that I felt was most significant:
"Where do we find a non-parasitic and responsive system of representation where representatives are no autocrats standing above the people but are humble servants who are chosen by, checked on, accountable to and removable by the people whenever they fail to honour their promises and mandate? "
Where indeed, for to find such a jewel would solve many of the problems in Gambian politics.
quote:
Originally posted by kobo
FOROYAA National News : PDOIS Policy On Political Representation By Women
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2012 : 09:38:39
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