Gender disparities are apparent in many aspects of life in The Gambia despite women’s constitution of over 50% of the country’s population. Although the country has developed various policy frameworks and enacted legislations to protect the rights and welfare of women and girls, significant disparities influenced by social, cultural, economic, and institutional factors continue to prevail in Gambian society.

International Women’s Day is commemorated every 8^th of March to reinforce commitments to achieve gender equality and the advancement of women across the globe. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”

In The Gambia, the United Nations through its Gender Technical Working Group led by UNFPA, organised an interactive learning session with staff members for this year’s commemoration. The learning session was rich in conversation on how individually, every member of the UN family can contribute towards advancing gender equality, to realise a sustainable tomorrow.

According to the UN Resident coordinator in The Gambia Ms. Seraphine Wakana, this year’s International Women’s Day theme challenges us all to stand up for equal rights and opportunities for women and men as a guarantee for a future where every girl and boy can grow and reach their full potential.

It is evident that women everywhere are playing critical roles in building homes, communities and nations and must therefore have their contributions and true potentials recognised in order for us to build a more just and sustainable future for all.

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Media contact: Haddy Jonga – Programme Analyst, Communications jonga@unfpa.org