Some groups of women and members of the private and public sectors, last Friday presented over eight hundred and eighty-three thousand dalasis to the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, at her office at State House in Banjul.

The money is said to have been raised as part of the pre-launching efforts of The Gambia Women Federation and is meant to contribute to the women's market. The gesture will also go a long way in boosting the Beijing plus 15 plus Africa Review Meeting, which is set to be held in The Gambia.

The donation came from various public and private sector institutions in the country, the Kanifing Municipal Council, various associations, and women themselves. Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Njie-Saidy hailed the benefactors for responding to their call. "But we are not surprised because these are the same faces that we see on every occasion. You are always leading and the government is proud to be associated with you," she said, while commending them for complementing government's efforts.

Dr Njie-Saidy told the benefactors that they are not only complementing government's effort, but also national efforts, considering their interventions in other domains in the country. She assured the private sector of government's continued commitment to creating the enabling environment for them to operate. She said that the role of the private sector in national development is important as encapsulated in the Vision 2020 blue print. She urged the private sector to take advantage of the leadership role given to them by the president in the march towards attaining the vision of the country. "We really appreciate and value your gestures, and I thank you all on behalf of The Gambian women," said the vice president.

For his part, Papa Leigh, marketing manager of Africell, said their move is in fulfillment of an earlier pledge made to the beneficiaries. He went on to express his company's resolve to partner with government in every endeavour. "Our doors are always open to you, and whenever you knock, we would be happy to help in every possible way," said Papa Leigh, whose company donated 300,000 dalasis.

Juana Hall, credit controller at Gamcel, said that her company is a national institution, and that as such they are always proud to support whatever is of national interest. The Mayor of Kanifing municipality, whose council pledged D250,000, expressed similar sentiments. Fatou Mbaye, chairperson of the National Women's Council, joined the vice president in commending the benefactors for their gestures, noting that it will go a long way in boosting efforts to achieve their objectives.