Editorial,
 
Women are an integral part of society. Without them, the advancement of society will only be wishful thinking. This is because it is the combination of men and women working together in unison and harmony that produces societal growth and development. Neither men nor women alone can by themselves achieve any meaningful socio-economic transformation.

Violence and discrimination of one sex hinders the march towards development, and is a crime against humanity. Now that the human society has advanced greatly, it is important for the people to commit themselves to ensure that the societal patriarchy that has relegated women for so long to the back seat be eliminated.

As Gambians convened at the July 22nd Square to commemorate the International Women's Day, it was pleasant to hear from the vice president that the government is coming up with a zero tolerance policy for violence against women.  This news is not only welcome but it elucidates the strong commitment and determination of His Excellency, the president, to eliminate gender discrimination.

The president's determination emancipate Gambian women from societal patriarchy, domestic exploitation and poverty is vivid clear. Engendering a policy that will criminalize violence against women and provide stiff penalties for offenders serves as a catalyst to achieving gender equity in national development. Such a policy can give women confidence to participate in the development process as they will be assured that their rights and demands are fully guaranteed by the state.

The challenge now lies in the hands of the entire citizenry to complement the president's efforts in building a Gambia that provides a level playing field for both men and women to harness and utilize their potentials in nation building. The theme for this year's celebration is a challenge for men and women to unite to end violence against women. As the saying goes "whoever empowers a woman empowers a nation". We therefore have to rise to the challenge to be part of those people who empower a nation. The girl child deserves all the conditions necessary to permit her to excel in society. Any denial of such conditions tantamount to the denial of social progress. The leadership of President Jammeh has set the pace for The Gambia to become a role model in the empowerment of women.