On the 5th March, 2015, famous author and motivational speaker, Momodou Sabally posted on Facebook: “Seeking names: 50 really outstanding Gambian women...”
What’s On-Gambiais proud to publish some of the famous names mentioned by Sabally’s followers. They are unquestionably women that changed The Gambia and continue to inspire young people.
Dr. Aja Isatou Njie Saidy: She is the Vice President of The Gambia. Dr. Njie-Saidy is currently the most powerful woman in government.
Fatou Bensouda: She is a former Justice Minister, who is currently serving as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in Hague.
Mrs. Harriet Margaret Ndow: She a renowned Gambian educationist and proprietress of Ndow's Comprehensive Academy.
Ajaaratou Satang Jow: She is a former Minister of Education. Satang was also principal at Gambia Senior Secondary School.
Dr. Isatou Touray: She is the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP. Dr. Touray is a women’s right activist working on the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in The Gambia.
Therese Ndong-Jatta: Now working for the United Nations, Ndong-Jatta was the principal of St. Peter’s Technical High School. She is a firm but fair disciplinarian.
Nyimasata Sanneh-Bojang: She is the first woman to win a seat in parliament. Nyimasata is still active in politics.
Mrs. Ya Jai Nyang: She is the only female orthopedic technician at the National Rehabilitation Centre of the Department of Social Welfare.
Isatou Bah: She is the first female cataract surgeon in The Gambia.
Lawyer Amie Bensouda: She is a former Solicitor General. Amie Bensouda is one of the most prominent lawyers in the country.
Mrs. Amie Sillah: She is a journalist, women’s right activist and politician. Amie Sillah is member of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS).
Adelaide Sosseh: She is a well recognized campaigner for girls’ right to education. Adelaide is a member of different international organizations, among them Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP).
Fatou Jaw Manneh: She is a journalist, political activist and women’s rights defender. FJM, originally from Sukuta, was once arrested and thrown in jail.
Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay: She is a journalist-turned-politician. FJC is a former speaker of the National Assembly.
Lawyer Mariam Denton: She is a famous lawyer, who was actively involved in politics. Mariam was once arrested in connection with a failed coup.
Ayesha Nyang Njie: She is the founder and director of SBEC International School, one of the most respected private schools in the country.
Aja Yafatou Sonko: She was a prominent member of the Gambia People’s Party (GPP). Aja Yafatou, who lives in Brikama, is the first female politician in Kombo Central