Experiences with women's projects in Gambia
1997
Rose-Baaba-Folson
The UN declaration of International Women's Decade - 1975-1985 - led to the establishment of so-called "government machineries", that were supposed to initiate and carry out programs promoting women. Thus gambia too, in 1980, in response to the pressure exercised by prominent women and with the financial support of UNIFEM, the National Women's Council and Bureau by means of parliamentary decree. 31 women from various regions of Gambia were elected, by women of their regions, as "Councillors" to present their interests in the National Women's Council and Bureau. The interests and needs of the women were promoted through projects sponsored by UNIFEM. Measures were developed to improve the incomes of women and to ease their work load. Following the expiration of the funding period of UNIFEM projects, an even stronger interest existed among women to continue working in co-operatives. During the period of funding, a number of women's co-operatives had been founded. The sociologist, Binte Sidebe, was one of the 31 "Councillors" from 1987 until 1992. She had previously, with financial support from UNIFEM, worked in the following women's projects: small-scale farming, vocational training and adult literacy programs. Basedon her experience with women's projects, and women-oriented work in general, four women's groups approached her, requesting support for their continuing work in Women's co-operatives. Three women's rural organizations were involved. As a result APGWA (Association for Promoting Women and Girl's Advancement) was founded in 1992. The paper presents goals, methods and results of APGWA projects.
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