Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and governance across Africa. Speaking at the presentation of a book, magazine, and documentary honoring Rohey Malick Lowe, the first female Mayor of Banjul, Diri emphasized that the continent's development hinges on integrating women into decision-making spheres.
Governor Diri, speaking at the Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in The Gambia, praised Lowe as a champion of women's rights and empowerment. He stated, "May I use this platform to encourage leaders across our continent to deliberately create opportunities for women to contribute at the highest levels of governance and public service. The progress of our nations will be accelerated when leadership is inclusive and when merit, competence, and vision are allowed to flourish irrespective of gender."
Diri questioned whether Africa's developmental challenges stem from excluding women from critical governance roles. "Africa cannot afford to leave half of its human capital on the sidelines while seeking solutions to complex social, economic, and political challenges," he added. He urged the abandonment of cultural practices that hinder women from reaching their full potential.
The governor also addressed xenophobic incidents in South Africa, warning that such acts undermine pan-African unity. "Such acts wound the fabric of Pan-African brotherhood that our forebears like Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara fought to build. When one nation suffers, our response must be guided by compassion, solidarity, and pragmatic support," he said.
In recognition of his support for women's empowerment, Lowe presented Diri with a key to the City of Banjul and other awards. The keynote speaker, former Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshal-Katung, described Lowe as a "living legend" who has elevated her city and country on the global stage.
