By Fatou Sillah
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, has called for greater inclusion of women in politics and decision-making processes during a high-level dialogue held on the sidelines of the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The dialogue, organized by the IPU Gender Unit under the auspices of the Gender Partnership Group and led by IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, centered on advancing women’s representation and participation in parliaments and other key decision-making institutions.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Gambian delegation to share firsthand insights on women’s political participation in the country and to explore avenues for collaboration between the IPU and the National Assembly in promoting women’s involvement in elections and leadership. The initiative seeks to strengthen efforts toward inclusive governance and sustainable development.
According to an official statement, Deputy Speaker Njie commended the IPU for its continued support and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the organization’s ideals and principles. He also appealed for the IPU’s assistance in engaging relevant stakeholders to promote greater female participation in national elections.
“Deputy Speaker Njie commended the IPU for its continuous support and reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to the global parliamentary body’s ideals and principles. He also sought the IPU’s assistance in engaging stakeholders to promote greater female participation in elections,” the statement read.
In response, the IPU delegation applauded The Gambia for its ongoing efforts to advance women’s empowerment and pledged continued support to the National Assembly in fostering democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
Deputy Speaker Njie was accompanied by a delegation of National Assembly members, including Hon. Assan Touray, Hon. Kebba Jallow, Hon. Musa Cham, Hon. Fatou Cham, and Ms. Musukuta Faal, Secretary to the delegation.