In a vibrant celebration of International Women's Day, the United Nations in The Gambia continued its commitment to gender equality by shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in agriculture. The event, held in Kerr Jarga in the North Bank Region (NBR), brought together women from diverse backgrounds, underscoring their pivotal role in driving agricultural development and transforming  food systems.

Amidst the lush landscapes and fertile soils of the North Bank Region, women farmers took center stage, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and dedication to feeding their communities. The celebration witnessed a remarkable display of agricultural produce, as women proudly exhibited the fruits of their labour at an exhibition organized as part of the festivities.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Awa Jagne, a seasoned farmer, expressed her pride in the contributions of women to the agricultural sector. "For too long, the vital role of women in agriculture has been overlooked. Today, we stand united to showcase our achievements and demand recognition for our hard work," she exclaimed.

The event resonated with the theme of this year's International Women's Day, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" emphasizing the urgent need to support women in key economic sectors. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), women make up nearly half of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, yet they face significant barriers, including limited access to land, finance and agricultural inputs.

The UNFPA Representative in The Gambia, Ndey Rose Sarr who spoke on behalf of the UN in The Gambia, underscored the importance of empowering women in agriculture to achieve the sustainable development goals. " Under the theme for this year “Invest in women: Accelerate Progress, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of women across all sectors of society. By investing in women farmers and small-business owners - by providing them better productivity tools and training opportunities - we will not only empower them, but also stimulate economic growth and sustainable development in all rural communities," Rose remarked.

FAO Statistics highlight the critical role of women in agriculture: they produce more than half of the world's food supply and play a vital role in ensuring household food and nutrition security. Yet, they often face discrimination and unequal access to resources, hindering their full potential.

The celebration served as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Gambian women in agriculture. Their unwavering commitment to feeding their families and communities underscores the indispensable role of women  for better production, better nutrition and a better life.

As the world continues its journey towards gender equality, events like this serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains to be done. Through collective action and unwavering commitment, we can build a future where women in agriculture thrive, communities flourish, and gender equality becomes a reality for all.