Diri Advocates Greater Role For Women In Leadership, Condemns Xenophobia In South Africa

 Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for increased inclusion of women in governance and leadership positions across Africa, stressing that the continent’s development would be accelerated if women were given greater opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes.

Governor Diri made the call on Wednesday at the Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia, during the formal presentation of a book, magazine, and documentary celebrating the achievements of Mrs. Rohey Malick Lowe, the first female Mayor of the City of Banjul.

The governor described Lowe as a symbol of purposeful and inclusive leadership whose accomplishments have demonstrated the immense potential women bring to governance and public service.

According to him, African leaders must deliberately create opportunities for women to participate at the highest levels of leadership, noting that the continent could no longer afford to sideline half of its human capital while seeking solutions to its socio-economic and political challenges.

He argued that women have consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, compassion, and dedication to service, yet leadership structures across Africa have not fully harnessed their talents and potential.

Diri said his conviction in women’s leadership was informed by experience and observation, adding that his administration in Bayelsa State has consciously expanded opportunities for women and young people to participate meaningfully in governance.

“Sustainable development is best achieved when every segment of society has a seat at the table and a stake in the future,” he stated.

The governor also urged African societies to abandon cultural practices that limit women’s advancement, saying such barriers prevent women from fully realizing their leadership potential.

He noted that the success story of Mayor Lowe, as highlighted by various speakers at the event, provided compelling evidence of the need to empower women across the continent.

“The book, documentary, and magazine do more than commemorate achievements. They establish a benchmark for service and demonstrate what deliberate, citizen-centred leadership can accomplish,” he said.

Diri also expressed concern over recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa, describing them as threats to African unity and the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

He said such actions undermine the vision of African solidarity championed by leaders such as Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, The Gambia’s independence leader.

“When one nation suffers, our response must be guided by compassion, solidarity, and practical support,” the governor said.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a sister-city agreement between the Banjul City Council and the Yenagoa Local Government Area. The agreement was signed by Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe of Banjul and Mayor Bulodisiye Ndiwari of Yenagoa.

In recognition of his commitment to women’s empowerment, Lowe presented Governor Diri with the Key to the City of Banjul and other awards.

The mayor commended Diri for his exceptional support for women, describing his approach as uncommon among many political leaders on the continent.

She reflected on her political journey as the 16th Mayor of Banjul and the only female mayor in the country, noting that her experiences had strengthened her dedication to public service and the advancement of African women.

Delivering the keynote address, former Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom, Abigail Marshal-Katung, described Lowe as a “living legend” whose influence has elevated the profile of both Banjul and The Gambia on the global stage.

Marshal-Katung noted that Lowe inherited a city burdened by neglect when she assumed office in 2018 but distinguished herself through decisive leadership and transformative initiatives.

The event attracted political and business leaders, development partners, women’s groups, and representatives from The Gambia, Senegal, Morocco, the United States, China, and Nigeria. Among the dignitaries present were former Gambian Vice President Ousainou Darboe, Mayor of Dakar Adama Sarr, members of the Rivers-Bayelsa Youth Community, and the Nigerian community in The Gambia.

Governor Diri was accompanied by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Women and Children’s Affairs, Social Development and Empowerment, Mrs. Joanna Gigi; the Mayor of Yenagoa City Council, Bulodisiye Ndiwari; and the Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Tariye Lelei.