By Fatou Bojang
During the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at UN Headquarters, First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow of The Gambia urged fellow First Ladies from Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal to unite in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by addressing the socio-cultural factors that perpetuate it and enhancing support for survivors.
In her address, First Lady Barrow reaffirmed her commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, emphasizing the need for collective action among regional leaders. “I pledge to work closely with my colleagues to tackle the effects of negative social and cultural norms on GBV,” she stated, highlighting the importance of community dialogue and awareness-raising initiatives.
The first lady expressed her gratitude to the UNFPA and the governments of The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Italy for organizing the vital side event. She noted the significance of sharing the best practices and lessons learned over the past three decades since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were implemented.
Barrow underscored the necessity of establishing a regional movement aimed at transformative change through strategic partnerships across Africa. “This initiative will focus on dismantling barriers to gender equality and making substantial investments in adolescent girls over the next five years, in anticipation of the Beijing+40 review, with the ultimate goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.
As part of her efforts, Barrow revealed that her organization, FaBB, will collaborate with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) to build partnerships with civil society and local communities.
The objective is to foster a safer, more inclusive environment free from GBV and eliminate the stigma that often prevents survivors from seeking assistance.
The event, moderated by Ms. Cecile Mazzacurati, Gender & Human Rights Advisor at UNFPA, featured a delegation from The Gambia, including Secretary General Mr. Alieu Njie, Spouse of the Vice President H.E. Mariama Jallow, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lamin B. Dibba, and Ambassador Momodou Lamin Bah, among other dignitaries.
First Lady Barrow concluded her remarks by emphasizing the urgent need for action and the importance of solidarity in the fight against GBV, calling on all stakeholders to join the movement for change.
