The Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment teamed up with the United Nations Food and Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the private sector to launch a new guide. It's called the Public Procurement Guide, and it's meant to help women-led businesses participate more effectively in trade.
They launched the guide as part of the Gambia Private Sector for Equality Campaign. The campaign's goal is to spread awareness and take action to create a more inclusive society where women and girls can succeed.
Baboucarr O. Joof, the minister of trade, regional integration, and employment, said developing the guide is a big step for the government toward economic growth that includes everyone, regardless of gender. He explained that they designed the manual to be an essential resource. It clearly explains the purpose, scope, and application of public procurement law and regulations in The Gambia.
Minister Joof said in his launch statement at the International Trade Centre in Bakau on Tuesday that the guide stresses how important it is to follow the Gambia Public Procurement Act [GPP Act 2022] and its regulations. At the same time, it offers practical tips to help women-led businesses navigate the procurement process effectively. He called it a springboard for transformation that will open doors for women-led businesses to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the country's economy.
Ndey Ross Sarr, the country representative of UNFPA, said investing in women is a smart move because it will help achieve gender equality. She added that creating economic opportunities for women will be a catalyst to build a world where women-led businesses flourish, deliver, and have access to markets so they can advance.
Ngonneh Panneh, a senior technical specialist at the ITC, Fatou Jallow, a representative from the GCCI, and Fatoumata Jawara, a representative from the women's advocacy group (Ma Foundation), all agreed that empowering women is essential for the country to achieve meaningful economic progress in the future.
They launched the guide as part of the Gambia Private Sector for Equality Campaign. The campaign's goal is to spread awareness and take action to create a more inclusive society where women and girls can succeed.
Baboucarr O. Joof, the minister of trade, regional integration, and employment, said developing the guide is a big step for the government toward economic growth that includes everyone, regardless of gender. He explained that they designed the manual to be an essential resource. It clearly explains the purpose, scope, and application of public procurement law and regulations in The Gambia.
Minister Joof said in his launch statement at the International Trade Centre in Bakau on Tuesday that the guide stresses how important it is to follow the Gambia Public Procurement Act [GPP Act 2022] and its regulations. At the same time, it offers practical tips to help women-led businesses navigate the procurement process effectively. He called it a springboard for transformation that will open doors for women-led businesses to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the country's economy.
Ndey Ross Sarr, the country representative of UNFPA, said investing in women is a smart move because it will help achieve gender equality. She added that creating economic opportunities for women will be a catalyst to build a world where women-led businesses flourish, deliver, and have access to markets so they can advance.
Ngonneh Panneh, a senior technical specialist at the ITC, Fatou Jallow, a representative from the GCCI, and Fatoumata Jawara, a representative from the women's advocacy group (Ma Foundation), all agreed that empowering women is essential for the country to achieve meaningful economic progress in the future.
