The Governor of the Upper River Region, Honourable Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, esteemed Resident Representatives of UNFPA and UNICEF, distinguished UN colleagues, respected religious leaders, honored guests, esteemed colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen: A warm good morning to you all. 

It is with great honour and immense gratitude that I stand before you today at the First National Women Leadership Forum. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, the Maa Foundation for Women, and all the organizers and partners who have made this groundbreaking event possible. Your dedication and commitment to advancing women's empowerment are truly commendable. 

At UNDP The Gambia, we firmly believe in the transformative power of women's leadership and empowerment. This forum exemplifies our shared vision of promoting gender equality and empowering women to take on leadership roles across all sectors of society. The discussions and engagements that will ensue over these two days are crucial in addressing the persistent challenges women face and in developing actionable strategies to advance their roles in political, economic, and social spheres. 

Despite the progress made, women in The Gambia continue to face significant challenges. For example, women occupy only 9% of the seats in the National Assembly. Furthermore, less than 20% of local council positions are held by women. In the corporate sector, women's representation in senior management is also low, reflecting the broader gender disparities in leadership roles. 

I am proud to highlight the Women Political Leadership Project, a collaborative initiative by UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF. This project aims to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles across all levels in The Gambia. By tackling barriers such as restrictive legal frameworks, cultural norms, and the need for enhanced competencies among aspiring women leaders and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment advocates, we are paving the way for a more inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead. 

UNDP The Gambia is unwavering in its commitment to supporting the cause of women. We believe that empowering women is not just an option; it is an imperative for sustainable development. We will continue to advocate for policies that support gender equality, facilitate knowledge exchange, and create opportunities for women to gain the skills and confidence they need to excel. 

Empowering women is not only a matter of human rights but also a driver of economic growth. Studies show that increasing women's participation in the workforce can boost GDP growth significantly. In The Gambia, where women make up more than half of the population, unlocking their potential is key to achieving our development goals 

This forum is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. Let us use this platform to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders, to foster meaningful discussions that lead to impactful policies, and to strengthen community engagement for lasting change. 

To all the participants, your presence here is a powerful statement of your commitment to this cause. Together, let us ensure that the momentum we create today continues to drive progress for women in The Gambia and beyond. 

Thank you once again to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, the Maa Foundation for Women, and all the organizers and partners for your tireless efforts. UNDP The Gambia will never stop supporting women's empowerment and the journey towards a more just and equal world. 

Thank you. Abarakah. Jerrejeff. Jaramah.