The steering committee of  The Platform for Employment Networking, Dialogue and Action (PENDA), was  recently  launched by Naffie Barry, permanent secretary Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment.
Speaking at the conference room of the ministry, Mrs. Barry described the setting up of the steering committee as a requirement for the effective functioning of PENDA.
She said PENDA would coordinate the establishment and operation of a structured mechanism for systematic consultations and dialogue between State and Non-State Actors on all issues related to employment.

“Promote inclusive and active participation of State and Non-State Actors in the identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring, impact assessment of national programmes and initiates to ensure their coherence with the employment policy,” she said.
PS Barry further said that PENDA would undertake monitoring of macroeconomic and sectoral policy making focusing on mainstreaming employment, adding that PENDA would monitor the activities of both State and Non-State Actors Network and the effectiveness of their operations.
“PENDA through its Networks now has the opportunity to influence government policy, participate in the elaboration of national strategies and programmes for employment generation; articulate, debate and promote collective views on employment issues, which we hope will result in generating employment and reducing poverty,” she said.
She assured the committee of her ministry’s full commitment and assistance for the need to build its capacity and facilitate its work to enable The Gambia tackle unemployment in accordance with the mandate to mainstream employment through PENDA.