The Senegambia bridge was constructed to improve trade in West Africa and ease transportation between the North Bank and Lower River Regions of The Gambia. The bridge is expected to contribute towards integrating the region, by creating positive social and economic impacts on trade. However, as a former ferry crossing point, the bridge’s construction affected small businesses that relied on the location being a transit hub to make sales.

Ndey Fatou Ceesay was one of the women whose business was affected by the construction of the bridge. According to her, her roadside business was blooming as she was using this trade to cater for her 2 children, as well as support her husband with the little income she makes from her sales.

Through the support of the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, UNFPA in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and other stakeholders, is supporting the construction of a One-Stop-Shop for GBV support, entrepreneurship, and hospitality training services for communities around the bridge and this news brings excitement to Ndey Fatou. “My source of income was crushed when the bridge was built, but this One-Stop-Shop will make me smile again” she shared.

“It will not just create an opportunity for me to build my skills as an entrepreneur, but it will economically empower other women in my community, as well as raise their consciousness around GBV and how to enjoy their fundamental human rights” she added.

Fatou like many other women and young people in the beneficiary regions continue to be exposed to various forms of violence and exploitation. The One-Stop-Shop seeks to address such vulnerabilities and create an enabling environment for them to live in dignity. 

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                                           Media contact: Faith C. Ememodo – UNV Communications Associate ememodo@unfpa.org