ECOWAS COMMISSION EMPOWERS WOMEN GROUPS AT SENE-GAMBIA BORDER COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF THE ECOWAS NATIONAL BIOMETRIC IDENTITY CARDS

Within the framework of enhancing the accessibility and acceptability of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) to facilitate mobility and trade within the Community, the ECOWAS Commission in conjunction with the German cooperation (GIZ) embarked on a women empowerment drive to identify women groups in Border Communities and facilitate the issuance of the Regional Biometric Card to specific groups to reduce harassment and ease mobility amongst vulnerable persons at the borders.

The pilot phase of the women empowerment drive held at the Sene-Gambia Zone. During the engagement with Border Operatives at the Mpack border (Senegal – Guinea-Bissau), the Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, on behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, underscored the importance of strengthening intra-service cooperation amongst the various security agencies at the borders. He also stressed the need for border operatives to implement the decision of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government relating to the abolition of the 90-day stay limitation and residence permit for Community Citizens.

The delegation also met with representatives of women groups within the border communities to sensitize them on valid travel documents, address the various challenges meted out on women at borders, as well as facilitate the issuance of the ECOWAS National Biometric Card by issuing authorities as a tool to ease their mobility and address the harassment faced at borders.