By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow on Saturday launched a D50 million enterprise fund aimed at empowering women of the National People’s Party (NPP) through access to finance, skills development, and business growth opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, President Barrow said the initiative goes beyond women’s empowerment, describing it as an investment in national development, opportunity, and the future of The Gambia. He clarified that although the fund bears the NPP name, it is intended to benefit women within the party as well as those from its allied political parties.
The President подчеркed that women make significant contributions to the Gambian economy but often face constraints not because of a lack of ideas or commitment, but due to limited access to finance and other essential support mechanisms. He noted that the women’s enterprise fund was established to address these gaps.
“This initiative reflects the NPP’s firm belief that economic empowerment of women is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and promote sustainable national development,” President Barrow stated.
He explained that the fund will particularly target women at the grassroots level, providing them with interest-free loans, skills support, and opportunities to expand their enterprises. By eliminating interest charges and prioritizing empowerment over profit, he said the government and the party are giving Gambian women a fair opportunity to succeed and become economically independent.
President Barrow further emphasized that empowering women has far-reaching social and economic benefits. “When women succeed, families are strengthened, communities become more stable, and the nation as a whole moves forward. Women’s empowerment is therefore not only a social concern but a key development priority,” he said.
Reaffirming the NPP’s commitment as the governing party, the President said women remain central to its development agenda. He described the enterprise fund as both a promise and a practical step toward job creation, improved livelihoods, and enhanced participation of women in the national economy.
He urged beneficiaries to make responsible use of the resources, support one another, and demonstrate the impact Gambian women can achieve when given the right opportunities.
“Let this fund be a symbol of discipline, integrity, and success. I am confident that NPP women, and Gambian women in general, are now convinced that our party believes in you, values your contribution, and remains committed to supporting your progress,” President Barrow said.
Comments are closed.