A young woman says she is living in fear that her family may prevent her from marrying the man she loves because of the caste system.
The woman, from the Central River Region, revealed that although she and her boyfriend are both Mandinkas, they come from different caste backgrounds.
She said she is foro, while her boyfriend is nyamalo, also known as komanko.
In a message to What’s On-Gambia, she opened up about the emotional burden she is facing and called for greater awareness of caste-related discrimination, particularly in rural communities.
“Some of us are suffering because our family members deny us the opportunity to marry the people we love simply because of the caste system. Please, we need more sensitization and awareness campaigns in rural communities, especially in CRR North.”
The young woman said her fear has even made her hesitant to accept financial help from the man she loves.
“Personally, I find it difficult to accept money or financial support from my boyfriend because I’m afraid that, tomorrow, my family might refuse to allow him to marry me because of his caste.”
She explained that she does not want to accept anything that could later be turned against her or make her feel ashamed if her family rejects the relationship.
“I genuinely love this man, and I honestly don’t know if your platform can help advocate for sensitization campaigns on this issue.”
According to her, the issue goes beyond her own relationship, arguing that communities need to reconsider the way caste influences marriage and family decisions.
“People need to understand that the caste system should not determine who we can love or marry.”
She also appealed to fathers and families to respect the choices of their children rather than responding with anger, insults or rejection.
“Imagine calling someone a ‘slave’ simply because of their caste, when that person may even be more successful and financially stable than you. How is that fair?”