Gambia gets 1st woman minister of Women Affairs, Children, Social Welfare

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - President Adama Barrow has appointed Mrs. Fatou Kinteh as Minister of Women's Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare with effect from Tuesday, the first such appointment in the history of the tiny West African nation. Acting under Section 71(3) of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, the president appointed the renowned gender activist and social worker with vast experience in advocacy for the rights of women and children. PANA reports that the Ministry of Women's Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare has been under the office of vice president in the history of the Gambia. The creation of the new Ministry is part of the president's women empowerment drive to give prominence to the matters of women, children, and the vulnerable in the society. Additionally, it is also in line with the government's institutional reforms policy of realigning key sectors under the relevant institutions, according to a statement made available from State House said. The statement also said consequently, the Office of the Vice President, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are duly relieved of the portfolios of Women Affairs, and Social Welfare, respectively. The statement added that the creation of the Ministry has already been captured in the 2019 National Budget. Mrs. Kinteh is a renowned gender activist and social worker with vast experience in advocacy for the rights of women and children. She has served both as Deputy Director, and the Director of the Women's Bureau. She also coordinated several projects for the European Commission and the African Development Bank. Before her current appointment as Minister, , Kinteh was National Coordinator on FGM and Gender at the UNFPA. -0- PANA MSS/VAO 26Feb 2019