Statement by UN Resident Coordinator Launch of The National Gender Policy

Your Excellency, President of the Republic of The Gambia, 

Honorable Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Distinguished Cabinet Ministers, 

Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, 

UN Colleagues, 

Esteemed Development Partners, 

Outgoing members of The National Women’s Council,

Incoming Executive members of The National Women’s Council,

Religious and Traditional Leaders, 

The Media

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my distinct honor to address you on this momentous occasion of the launch of The Gambia's National Gender Policy 2025-2034. This milestone represents not just a policy document, but a transformative vision for gender equality and women's empowerment in The Gambia, built upon extensive nationwide consultation and rigorous analysis.

Your Excellency, allow me first to congratulate you and your government, particularly the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, for your outstanding leadership in bringing this comprehensive policy to fruition. The thorough process that led to this policy - including nationwide consultations across all Regions and Municipalities, extensive stakeholder engagement, and thorough analysis of past achievements and challenges - demonstrates your government's serious commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

I am particularly elated by the approach taken to learn from the previous policy implemented over the past decade. The careful evaluation of the 2010-2020 policy, including its midterm review in 2017, has enabled us to build upon successes while addressing gaps and challenges. The extensive consultations with stakeholders across government, civil society organizations, and development partners have ensured that this policy truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all Gambians.

The timing of this policy could not be more crucial. As we pursue the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we recognize that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. The recent national census has highlighted the significant proportion of women in The Gambia's population, underscoring the urgency of ensuring their full participation in national development.

I am pleased to affirm that the United Nations, through the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, will continue to coordinate closely with the Development Partners Group to mobilize resources and technical support for the implementation of this policy. Our collective commitment is to ensure that the detailed Implementation Plan, with its clear indicators and timeframes, translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Gambian women and girls.

Your Excellency, Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, this National Gender Policy represents more than aspirational goals - it is a practical roadmap for achieving gender equality in The Gambia, grounded in extensive consultation and careful planning. Its success will contribute not only to national development but also to the achievement of our shared global commitments under the SDGs as well as the green and recovery focused NDP.

Today, we do more than launch a policy - we ignite a transformation. Let each of us here commit to turning these carefully crafted words into reality. 

For every girl dreaming of education, for every woman seeking economic empowerment, for every Gambian aspiring to a more equitable future - the time for action is now. Let us work together tomake The Gambia a example of gender equality in Africa and prove that when women rise, nations soar.