In an effort to enhance the accessibility and acceptability of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and facilitate mobility and trade within the Community, the ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with German Cooperation (GIZ), has initiated a women empowerment drive. This initiative aims to identify women groups in border communities and facilitate the issuance of the Regional Biometric Card to reduce harassment and ease mobility among vulnerable persons at borders.
During an engagement with Mr. Liad Lea Da Silva, Director General of Immigration, and Ms. Balbina da Pina Gomes, Executive Secretary of the National Boundary Commission in Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, represented Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. He emphasized the mission's objectives and encouraged continuous dialogue between relevant border authorities in countries with contiguous borders and the ECOWAS Commission to collectively address challenges faced at borders efficiently.
The delegation also met with representatives of women groups within the Saõ Domingos border communities to inform them about valid travel documents, address various challenges faced by women, and facilitate the issuance of the ECOWAS National Biometric Card by issuing authorities as a tool to ease their mobility and mitigate harassment and extortion at borders.
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