STATEMENT BY UN RC AT THE CLOSING OF THE International Day of The Girl BOOT CAMP 2024

The Hon. Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology,

Permanent Secretaries,

UNICEF and UNFPA Representatives,

UN Colleagues and most importantly

You Incredible Girls

Good morning to you all,

I am deeply honored to welcome an extraordinary initiative that exemplifies our commitment to girls' empowerment in The Gambia. This bootcamp represents a beacon of hope and transformation for twenty young women from our rural communities.

The statistics we face are concerning: nearly one in five girls not completing lower secondary education, 90% of girls and women lacking internet access, and the devastating reality that three in four new HIV infections among adolescents affect girls. Yet, in the face of these challenges, I see unprecedented determination to create change.

This boot camp, thoughtfully organized by Catch Them Young with UNICEF and UNFPA’s support, embodies this year's theme "Girls' Vision for the Future." It is more than just a training program – it is a catalyst for transformation. For five days, these twenty rural girls, including those with disabilities, will not merely dream of a better future; they will actively shape it. This inclusive approach is a clear manifestation of our unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind and delivering programmes that will shape lives today, tomorrow and forever. 

What makes this initiative particularly compelling is its comprehensive approach to empowerment. From building leadership skills to understanding fundamental rights, from exploring STEM careers to mastering coding skills – we are equipping these young women with the digital tools and competencies needed for the 21st century. By introducing them to coding and digital literacy, we are bridging the gender digital divide and opening doors to the vast opportunities in technology sectors.

The inclusion of girls with disabilities in this program sends a powerful message: disability rights are human rights, and every girl, regardless of her circumstances, deserves the opportunity to develop her full potential. This demonstrates our commitment to building a truly inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.

To you girls, you represent not just your communities, but the unlimited potential of every girl child in The Gambia. Your presence here signals the beginning of a journey that will ripple through generations. As you engage with successful women leaders, learn about your rights, discover coding and technology, and explore new possibilities in STEM and entrepreneurship, remember that you are not just participants – you are pioneers.

To our partners and supporters: your commitment to this cause demonstrates the power of collective action. Through initiatives like this, we are actively dismantling barriers that have historically held our girls back, from harmful practices like FGM to limited educational and digital opportunities. By ensuring accessibility and inclusion for girls with disabilities, we are setting a new standard for empowerment programs in The Gambia.

The United Nations remains steadfast in its support for such transformative initiatives. As we witness these young women embark on their journey of discovery and empowerment, we are not just investing in their individual futures – we are investing in the future of The Gambia. This boot camp exemplifies the true spirit of the 2030 Agenda and its central promise to leave no one behind.

As your Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, I make a personal and unwavering commitment to champion girls' development across all spheres of our work. I pledge to be not just an advocate but an active catalyst for change, ensuring that girls' empowerment remains at the heart of our development agenda. Through my role, I will continue to create platforms that amplify girls' voices, challenge systemic barriers, and mobilize resources for initiatives that advance girls' rights and opportunities. This is not just an institutional commitment – it is my personal mission to ensure that every girl in The Gambia has the chance to realize her dreams and contribute to our nation's prosperity.