Recent studies have revealed a low participation and representation of women in the governance process in The Gambia.  But it seems this is about to change.

In this year’s parliamentary elections, 21 women are vying for seats in the National Assembly. They are determined than ever before to take part in political life.

One of them is Aminata Correa of Latri Kunda Sabiji. She’s a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). According to one of her supporters, Madi Jobarteh, she’s a self-employed hard working mother-of-three.

“She’s a respectable, hardworking and a progressive woman who represents the values and standards of the New Gambia,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Madi said voting for Aminata is “voting for our future, our security and our dignity.”

Another woman hoping to enter the National Assembly for the first time is veteran educationist, Amie Sillah.

In a video posted on her Facebook page, she revealed that she would donate her monthly salary to development projects in her constituency, Bundungka Kunda.

Other female candidates include Haddy Forbes (GDC), Amie Colley (GDC), Fatoumatta Njai (PPP), Haddy Bah (GDC), Kumba Barry (APRC), Fatoumatta Jawara (UDP) and Kaddijatou Jabbie (Independent).

Good luck to all of them!