The Gambia is witnessing quite a revolution in gender equality terms and many young women are defying the odds in their quest to go shoulders above. But what makes these 10 young women stand out from the rest is that despite the turbulent environment, they’re also carrying on their wings many more young women to success.
Martha Njie
She is giving life changing opportunities to young people through her nonprofit Educating For Africa's Future (EFAF). The organization inculcates leadership qualities and provides life changing opportunities to young people through mentorship, internship and trainings.
Oumie Sissokho
She is the co-founder of Girl's Agenda in Brikama - a grassroots youth organization committed to advocating for gender equality and unhindered development for women in the country.
Satang Saho Jammeh
Satang is the proprietress of S&S Properties, a real estate Company that employs over 20 young people (majority ladies) giving them livelihoods and opportunities to grow. Satang is a phenomenal woman who started modestly as a radio presenter, but today her company is one of the leading realtors in The Gambia. She epitomizes the age old adage of "rags to riches".
Matty Amie Jobe
A compassionate woman widely known for her charitable efforts in mobilizing funds for helping underprivileged children for overseas treatment. She famously championed the cause of Malla Manneh who managed to rack up to $35,000 in 48 hours.
Jaha Dukureh
Jaha is among the internationally well-known Gambian personalities for her vital role in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation. She has been named to Time magazine's 2016 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Fatou Saho
She is using the power of micro finance through her Japaleh initiative to transform women into self-reliant entrepreneurs. Through the project, she helps women set up catering service agencies in the Greater Banjul Area.
Binta Jarju
She is the owner of BJ Creation in Tallinding. Binta deals in tailoring and sewing of high quality outfits: from African fabrics to local and Western styles. Her business employs and trains young women as seamstresses and fashion designers thereby empowering them to become financially independent whiles contributing to the development of the country.
Fatou Juka Darboe
She is a smart young lady renowned for her voluntary charitable and humanitarian works across the country. The Engineering student unconditionally renders her selfless services for a number of causes: Give1 Project, Fashion Weekend Gambia, Starfish International etc.
Matida Komma
Matida is a popular Brikama-based women rights activist who's changing the lives of many girls through her gender advocacy organization, Girls Agenda. A fellow of the prestigious US Government funded fellowship - Nelson Mandela Leadership (YALI) fellowship, she is well known for her impressive track record of voluntary youth work in the country.
Jama Jack
She is an ardent women and child rights campaigner who writes extensively on women and girl's rights issues through her popular blog Linguerrbi. In her strive to make the world a better place for kids, Jama spares her time for Kanifing based rights group, Think Young Women and anti-FGM Campaigner, Jaha Dukureh's Safe Hands for Girls.