Gambian Opposition Leader Pledges Economic Empowerment for Women at Tanji Fish Market
[Suggested image placeholder: Women processing fish at a bustling outdoor market in West Africa]
Saikou Sawo, leader of The Gambia’s Golden Era Party, has committed to providing new training and economic support programs for the women workers of Tanji Fish Market, during a high-profile visit to one of the nation’s most critical fishing hubs.
Market Visit Highlights Women’s Central Role
During his tour of the smoke-filled stalls and crowded processing areas, Sawo engaged directly with the women who fillet, smoke, and sell fish that supplies much of the regional market. The opposition leader described the atmosphere as “powerful and inspiring,” acknowledging what he characterized as their undervalued contribution to both household economies and national food security.
“These women carry the weight of our homes, our economy, and our future,” Sawo stated. “They deserve more than survival. They deserve opportunity, dignity, and prosperity.”
Proposed Support Framework
The pledged initiative would focus on providing women with access to skills training, modern equipment, and support systems designed to improve their earning potential. Party officials indicated the program aims to help market workers expand their reach into international markets, potentially increasing revenue streams for one of The Gambia’s most important economic sectors.
“GEP stands with every woman who wakes before the sun to feed this nation,” Sawo declared. “We are committed to providing the skills, tools, and support that will elevate their talent from local shores to global markets.”
Political Context and Economic Significance
The pledge aligns with the Golden Era Party’s broader messaging that “real change lives where women rise”—a refrain Sawo repeated throughout his market visit. The fishing industry represents a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy, providing employment for approximately 30,000 people and contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and export revenue.
Women traditionally dominate the post-harvest aspects of West Africa’s fishing sector, handling processing, smoking, and distribution. Despite their crucial role, they often face significant challenges including limited access to capital, outdated equipment, and fluctuating market conditions.
Local Reception and Implementation Questions
For many in Tanji, Sawo’s remarks represented a rare political acknowledgment of women whose labor fundamentally sustains the fishing sector. The visit generated optimism among workers who typically receive little attention from political leaders, though questions remain about how the proposed support would be funded and implemented.
Such empowerment pledges are increasingly common in Gambian politics, where opposition parties seek to distinguish their platforms from the ruling coalition. The practical translation of campaign promises into tangible programs remains a persistent challenge across the political spectrum.
As The Gambia continues its democratic transition following decades of authoritarian rule, political engagement with economic sectors like fisheries reflects growing recognition of their importance to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Source: https://www.kerrfatou.com/tanji-fish-market-workers-receive-empowerment-pledge-from-gep-leader/