“The Gambia Cannot Achieve Lasting Progress if Women Are Left Behind” — Matty Kanyi

By Seedy Jobe

The Women’s Representative Councillor at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and a leading figure in the Unite Movement for Change, Councillor Matty Kanyi, has called on Gambian women to unite and play a more active role in national politics, stressing that inclusive participation is essential for sustainable development.

“The Gambia cannot achieve lasting progress if women are left behind. If we want progress, women must be part of it. Whatever women lead becomes successful because we put our hearts into it,” she said.

Speaking in a video message, Councillor Kanyi acknowledged the significant contributions women are already making across various sectors, but emphasized that more effort is required to address persistent gaps in representation and empowerment.

“We need to have serious discussions about how to improve in areas where we are still lagging behind. The Gambia cannot achieve lasting progress if women are left behind,” she reiterated.

She also expressed concern over the socio-economic hardships faced by women and children, noting that political participation is key to addressing these challenges.

“Women and their children are facing hardships, and to combat these hardships, we must take part in politics,” she said, while acknowledging that many women remain hesitant to engage in political life.

According to Councillor Kanyi, fear of intimidation, name-calling, and belittlement discourages many women from stepping forward. However, she warned that disengagement only deepens marginalisation.

“If we stay behind because of fear, we will be at the mercy of others. We must instead sit at the table and take part in decisions that affect our lives,” she stressed.

Reaffirming the value of women’s leadership, she urged women to unite and assume leadership roles in shaping the country’s future. She further called on citizens to safeguard peace as a foundation for national development.

“Let us work for our country by preserving peace, because peace is the basis of progress,” she concluded.