Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, Alliance Française and the French Embassy in Banjul launched the “We Together for Women’s Empowerment” project on Monday. This initiative aims to utilize arts, culture, debate, and entrepreneurship to amplify women’s voices and foster societal change.

The Women’s Empowerment Project stands out as a unique endeavor designed to leverage the power of arts and culture for gender equality and empowerment. Alliance Française, supported by the French Embassy, is collaborating with local organizations to bring this vision to life.

Justine Guschlbauer, Director of Alliance Française Banjul, emphasized the deep-rooted French tradition of using artistic expressions as tools for communication and reflection. “This project has been on our minds for more than a year. We worked extensively to bring this initiative to fruition. It aims to strengthen our ties and share French cultural and artistic values with The Gambia.”

Priscilla Yagu Ceesay, Senior Technical Advisor at Women and Victims Empowerment (WAVE), outlined several key activities within the project. “The Odyssey Program will be a healing and learning platform featuring film screenings and bonfire events. We have previously seen positive responses to these activities in other regions, fostering community discussions on pressing issues.”

Mohamed Haidara, President of Amnesty Kanifing Municipality Group, elaborated on their focus within the project. “We are planning to train at least 25 National Assembly members on the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). These decision-makers can significantly influence policy and community education efforts, making our collective work more effective.”

Fatou Baldeh, founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), highlighted their strategy to engage young people in combating sexual and gender-based violence. “We will target three schools, involving both young men and women. Addressing sexual and gender-based violence requires a collective effort. We need male role models and ‘HeForShe’ advocates to join the fight against these issues.”

The project, slated to conclude in March 2025, encompasses a diverse range of activities, including community dialogues and debates, student ambassador clubs, artistic residencies, visual arts advocacy, performing arts, cinema, and skills development training.

Through these artistic and cultural mediums, the “We Together for Women’s Empowerment” project aims to raise awareness about gender issues, challenge societal stereotypes, and promote inclusive narratives, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The launch of this initiative marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to empower women and promote gender equality through creative and collaborative means.