The Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), a project under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, inaugurated its new Board on Wednesday 16 July 2025. The newly appointed Board will oversee the strategic direction and management of the Fund.
The Permanent Secretary (Technical), Saikou Trawally, inaugurated the Board on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh. In his remarks, Mr Trawally commended the outgoing chairperson and her board members for their excellent work and dedication during their tenure. He highlighted that the previous board had worked diligently to grow the fund’s portfolio to D80 million.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among the new board members to ensure the achievement of their set goals.
Mr Trawally reaffirmed that WEF is here to stay and remains committed to supporting and economically empowering women. He underscored the vital role women play in the socio-economic development of The Gambia.
He emphasised the importance of the Board in mobilising resources for the fund to widen the coverage. He also indicated that when women are economically empowered, they contribute to the nutrition and education of women in the socioeconomic development of the country.
In her acceptance speech and vote of thanks, the new Board Chairperson, Naffie Barry, expressed her gratitude to His Excellency President Adama Barrow for endorsing her appointment. She also extended her heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing chairperson, and Board chair Mrs Barry pledged, with the support of her colleagues and partners, to strive to exceed the D80 million portfolio achieved by the previous Board.
She emphasised that women make up 51% of the population, and uplifting their status could significantly transform the nation. “Women are the breadwinners, they support their families’ education and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she stated.
The inauguration was chaired by Alpha Humma, the Funds Manager, strives to support women, build their capacity and enhance or uplift their economic status.
During the ceremony, the outgoing Chairperson, Fatou Deen Touray, and the former Chairperson of the National Women’s Council, Mrs Dea Sawaneh, were awarded certificates of recognition in absentia for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of women through the Fund.
