Gambiaj.com – (NEW YORK, United States) – Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, who also serves as the President of the Local Elected Women’s Network of Africa (REFELA), delivered a powerful address at the United Nations, calling for greater recognition of women’s leadership in governance and climate resilience. Representing United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), she spoke before an audience of over 200 women leaders, emphasizing that gender equality is not a privilege but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development, democracy, and peace.

“As a woman leader, a mayor, and a champion of gender equality, I firmly believe that gender equality and resilience in the face of climate change should always be fundamental human rights,” Lowe stated. “And yet, we still live in a world where women’s leadership is undervalued, and where the very systems that drive our economies and politics continue to exploit both women and nature.”

The high-level event was attended by notable figures, including Hon. Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development; Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of UCLG; Angela Mwai of UN-Habitat; and Soon Young Yoon, UN representative of the International Alliance of Women and founder of Cities for CEDAW.

Lowe expressed gratitude to the UN Permanent Mission of Nigeria and several partner organizations, including Cities of CEDAW, UCLG WORLD, the Coalition for the UN We Need (C4UN), WADHI, UN-Habitat, and NGO CSW/NY, for providing a platform where women leaders could exchange ideas and strengthen their networks.

Her address underscored the ongoing challenges women face in leadership roles and the urgent need to dismantle structures that hinder their full participation in decision-making processes. As the first female mayor of Banjul, Lowe has been a vocal advocate for gender inclusivity in governance and continues to push for policies that empower women at all levels of leadership.

The UN event served as a crucial step in fostering global collaboration among women leaders, reinforcing the importance of gender equity in sustainable development and climate action.