Basse receives HungerFree caravan

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

As the Hunger Free caravan proceeds, the population of Basse, last Friday, got a taste of the campaign initiated by ActionAid The Gambia (AATG), Nawfa, Wayaf and Afet. 

The caravan which is tasked with the responsibility to fight hunger and empower women by issuing lands to them on permanent basis, also has the objective to provide them with necessary inputs to enable the country to reach the stage of food self-sufficiency. 
 
Delivering her speech in Basse, the president of Nawfa, Mrs Mai Sonko, said the reason behind this campaign is to fight hunger and to advocate for women to be given the right to own and control land and to be provided with the necessary inputs to work on the land.

Buttressing this point of view, the Action Aid Women’s Right manager, Jainaba Nyang-Njie, said the campaign is a global initiative. She stated that this year’s campaign focuses on women and land. She seized the opportunity to commend the women for their readiness to go back to the land, but noted that there is a need to make land accessible to women.

Also speaking at the meeting held in Basse, Hon Momodou Touray pointed out that as they receive their mandate from the people, they are bound to fully support such an initiative. He then added that there is a committee for women and children rights at the National Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Isatou Fenkeh and Mariama Jaw expressed their delight and joy over the ActionAid Hunger Free caravan.

They called on governors and other stakeholders to help the women, as they have shown their readiness to deliver in the agricultural sector.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the governor who assured the gathering of his support. He urged the Alkalolu and chiefs to join hands with him to make sure that the women get what they need.

Author: by Alieu Ceesay on tour