Distinguished guests, esteemed participants, respected members of civil society organizations, traditional communicators, dedicated media personnel, and honoured colleagues, 

It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as we launch this important two-day training focused on Advocacy for Civil Society Organizations, Independent Policy Committees, and other stakeholders aimed at effectively lobbying for quota systems and supportive policies that promote women’s political participation and leadership. 

First, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) for organizing this training, and to all the partners involved. Your commitment to strengthening women's political participation is commendable and essential for the progress of the nation. 

Ladies and gentlemen, as we gather here today, I want to draw attention to the critical context in which our discussions are taking place. The recent Summit of the Future underscored the urgent need for inclusive governance models that promote participation from all segments of society. It emphasized that empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but a foundational element of sustainable development. 

According to the most recent Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBOS) Census data, women make up 51% of the population in The Gambia. The also make up 57% of the registered electorates, yet their representation in political office remains disproportionately low. In the 2022 legislative elections, women accounted for only 8.6% of seats in the National Assembly, with just three securing seats. Furthermore, the current Cabinet includes just 14% women, a decline from previous terms, and women make up only 15% of the 120 elected councillors. These figures highlight a significant gap between the population and women's representation in political decision-making. It is therefore crucial for us to advocate for changes that normalize the presence of women in political spaces and ensure their voices are heard. 

Moreover, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a guiding framework for our endeavours. Goal 5, which advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, resonates deeply with our mission here today. It is vital that we embrace these goals not only as targets to strive for but as essential commitments that can transform our social and political landscape. 

Esteemed participants, this training is designed to enhance the advocacy capacities of CSOs, traditional communicators, and media personnel so that you can effectively campaign for quota systems and engage your communities with powerful messages about the significance of women's leadership and decision-making. As we embark on these discussions, let us remain focused on actionable outcomes that can lead to tangible changes in the political landscape of The Gambia. 

I would like to reaffirm UNDP's unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women's empowerment and leadership. We will continue our strategic partnership  with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, CSO, and other stakeholders as we strive for a future where women are fully represented in leadership at all levels of decision-making. 

In conclusion, I urge each of you to actively participate in the sessions, share your insights, and collaborate with one another. Together, we can lay the groundwork for a future where women are not only participants but leaders in all aspects of governance. 

Thank you for your commitment to this noble cause, and I wish you all a productive and inspiring training session. 

Abarakah. Jerejeff.