In a significant stride towards fostering gender equality and inclusivity, NCCE with funding from UNFPA The Gambia through the Human Security Project, concluded theย Training of Local Government Authorities on Gender Responsive Budgeting and Participatory Planning in LRR and NBR.
The program seeks to enhance the capacity of local government officials in integrating gender considerations into budgeting processes and promoting inclusive and participatory planning.
The initiative aimed to address the critical need for inclusive policies and programs at the grassroots level. It sought to empower local government officials (Area Council, Village and Ward Development Committees) with the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge gender disparities and promote equitable development.
Mr. Abdoulie Nyassi of the Ministry Of Finance and Economic Affairs Gambia – MOFEA provided a comprehensive overview of Gender Mainstreaming and Gender-responsive Budgeting.
In his presentation, he expounded on the Definition of Gender Mainstreaming and addressed common misconceptions surrounding the term ‘gender’. Additionally, he emphasized the crucial significance of incorporating gender perspectives into every facet of policies, programs, and projects. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of allocating and managing public resources in a manner that actively fosters gender equality.
After the enlightening session on Gender Mainstreaming and Gender-responsive Budgeting, the participants were organized into groups, each tasked with specific objectives to be achieved through collaborative group discussions. This approach aimed to encourage deeper engagement and foster a more interactive and dynamic learning environment.
This interactive group format provided a valuable opportunity for participants to actively apply the knowledge gained and work collectively towards advancing gender equality in their respective domains.
We wrapped up the second and final day of our UNFPA The Gambia funded Training of Local Government Authorities on gender responsive budgeting and participatory planning in Kerewan and Mansakonko, NBR and LRR, respectively, on a high note.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Kerewan, the Deputy Governor of North Bank Region called on participants to make best use of the knowledge gained and use it wisely in the daily operations of their organisations and institutions.
An Economist with Gambia Participates, Mr. Lamin Dibba, took the reins in guiding participants through a comprehensive session on integration of Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) and participatory planning within local governance structures. In the discussion, he emphasized the pivotal role of participatory planning in fostering inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.
In his insightful discourse, Mr. Dibba meticulously elucidated the fundamental tools and methodologies essential for the effective implementation of GRB within the framework of local governance budgeting and planning. His presentation encapsulated not only theoretical underpinnings but also practical approaches, empowering attendees with actionable knowledge and strategic insights.
We completedย our training programme on Gender Responsive Budgeting and Participatory Planning for Local Government Authorities implemented in North Bank and Lower River Regions!
Nearly 200 officials from Kerewan and Mansakonko Area Councils, various VDC and WDCs, women and young people representatives participated in the programme, gaining crucial skills to integrate gender considerations into budgeting processes and promote inclusive planning.
The program, funded by UNFPA The Gambia, fostered increased collaboration between local government authorities, community representatives, and civil society organizations, paving the way for more inclusive and representative development projects.