Page 56 - UN Gambia 2020 CCA stakeholder consultations report

GENDER (WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT)
• Participants pointed out various interventions that have enhanced the participation of women in development. They referred to the

support provided to women in agriculture (vegetable gardening), the training of women in different fields particularly free education to

girls, free maternal service to women and reforms on public regulations and laws on women.
• When women participate in and benefit from development projects the impact is felt nationally. However, lack of education, traditional

and cultural beliefs are obstacles that continue to hamper their progress. The image that women should take a supporting role makes it
difficult for them to expand and improve productivity.

• The lack of education of women makes them dependent on society for survival and guidance, unable to access funds and unable to take up
ownership of land and properties. “Women no matter how well you perform in school when you reach maturity you are married off

regardless.”
• The empowerment of women through education, advocacy and financial support were key areas identified by the focus group as priority

areas to be addressed in the next development plan.

YOUTH

• The implementation of these interventions; IOM Reintegration Assistance, Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), and Start Up Incubator

The Gambia (SIG), is building the next generation of entrepreneurs and providing business capital to youths. Participants regarded this as
quite helpful in the improvement of the lives and conditions of youths.
• Migration of youths has seriously affected the continuity of our society; the elderly and children are left in the community unable to engage

in community development projects such as farming that require manpower. Most female participants said the migration of youths has

changed social arrangement, norms and values on marriage; “mostly women have to wait for years before they are united to their migrated

56