Senegalese Gender Minister Meets VP

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Sheriff Janko

28 March 2011

The minister responsible for Gender Affairs in the sister Republic of Senegal yesterday called on the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

Minister Awa Njie was in The Gambia to meet the VP and extend special greetings to her for the proactive role she plays in the development of women in the country.

In an interview with reporters shortly after a closed-door session with VP Njie-Saidy, Minister Njie said that women of both Senegal and The Gambia look on to her [VP] as a role model. The Senegalese Gender Affairs minister averred that The Gambia and Senegal are the same country and share many things in common saying: “We are seeing Gambian women in many actions, which we believe is very important to us.”

She also disclosed that the Senegalese leader, President Wade always challenge them to look on to VP Njie-Saidy and learn from her. “It is true that the two countries share many things in common and that the vice president of The Gambia plays a very important role in both countries and Africa at large. We the women of Senegal will always stand by her and listen to her advices as she always urges us to pray for our leaders,” she said.

Minister Njie further disclosed that the meeting also availed her the opportunity to discuss with the VP on how women issues could be advanced in Africa as well as the new women’s federation that was initiated and launched by the Gambian leader in the country. She described the establishment of the federation as important and timely, stressing that women are very important in society, as they are partners in development.

Minister Njie equally maintained that VP Njie-Saidy has championed that cause in society and that whenever she meets her [VP Njie-Saidy] she always reaffirms and gives her more encouragement to maintain the status of women in society and the country as a whole. Commenting on the widely held notion of 50/50 concept between men and women, the Senegalese Gender Affairs minister said: “Our religion states that men should always lead and women follow but, however, women accepted that fact and were the first people to believe that.”

She stressed that the 50/50 concept doesn’t mean that they are violating Islamic norms and values, but rather to empower women to participate in key decision-making and development initiatives. “Women must participate in every development initiative like their male counterparts,” she said, adding that Senegal like The Gambia is appointing women to high decision-making positions.

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