The Gambian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) recently announced the development of a comprehensive “National Strategy for the Increased Participation of the Female Gender in Tertiary and Higher Education.”
The announcement was made during a well-attended media briefing at MoHERST’s conference hall in Bijilo, marking a pivotal step in addressing gender disparities in higher education across The Gambia.
Ms. Kumba Jammeh, the Principal Research Officer and the Ministry’s Gender Focal Person, kicked off the event by expressing her profound gratitude to the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank for their unwavering support in advancing this crucial initiative.
She welcomed the guests and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving gender equality in education.
Highlighting the pressing challenges faced by women and girls in accessing tertiary and higher education, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, shed light on alarming statistics.
He pointed out that while female graduates outnumber their male counterparts at the senior secondary level, their presence dwindles significantly in tertiary institutions.
Gomez emphasized the need for a data-driven approach to uncover the root causes behind this disparity and develop targeted strategies to bridge the gap.
Dr. Yusupha Touray, the Permanent Secretary, reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to conducting a nationwide study aimed at gathering comprehensive data. He stressed the transformative potential of this initiative, highlighting the importance of leveraging the findings to inspire policy changes that will ensure women, who comprise the majority of the population, are adequately represented in higher education.
Gender Consultant Mrs. Emily Sarr provided a sobering analysis of the current gender gaps within tertiary and higher education institutions. She cited the National Constitution, the Women’s Act of 2010, and its 2015 Amendment as significant milestones in the journey towards gender equality. However, she noted that despite these legislative advancements, women remain underrepresented in leadership and professional roles.
Mrs. Sarr called for increased funding opportunities and comprehensive career guidance to ensure that all girls and women, regardless of their socio-economic background, have equal opportunities to pursue higher education and build meaningful careers.
In her impassioned conclusion, Mrs. Sarr emphasized that education is the cornerstone of progress, innovation, and equality. She urged all stakeholders to take decisive action to eliminate gender disparities, stating, “In today’s rapidly evolving world, we cannot afford to leave half of our population behind. It is imperative that we create an inclusive education system that empowers every girl and woman to achieve her full potential.”
The launch of this national strategy by MoHERST marks a significant stride towards breaking the glass ceiling in The Gambia’s education sector.