From Victim to A Leader: A demonstration of power shift

By Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Fanta Mbye of Sinchu Alagie, in Niamina East District is one of the beneficiaries of AAITG’s 3-year project on Strengthening Women’s Economic Initiatives in Southern Central River Region (CRR) in The Gambia.

The objective of the project grants was to contribute to the promotion of women’s empowerment and participation in CRR South with a special focus to increase women’s access and control over productive resources that empower them to participate in sustainable economic growth and development.

Reacting to the benevolent gesture she added that she has benefited from different ActionAid projects. As the humanitarian INGO has trained her on gender and human rights issues including the familiarization on the Women’s Act.

“I was also trained on climate-resilient sustainable agriculture and the impact of climate change”

“Before the intervention of ActionAid’s projects, I was grappling with numerous problems. During that time, I was not aware of many things. I used to think that my role as a woman was just to work or do household chores. Sometimes when people provoke me, I would quarrel and at some point, I would cry and go home”. She added

“I am grateful to AAITG for building my capacity. Imagine I am a farmer and doing business. I hold the position of an organizer in Group Juboo, our village association. I am also a member of the Village Development Committee (VDC), I’m the President of the Mothers’ Club, the President of the Arabic School and a member of the District Tribunal”.

Speaking to the AAITG’s Ag. Head of Programs and Policy, Fanta Jatta- Sowe she said her organization is committed to empowering and building the capacity of women across the length and breadth of The Gambia for sustainable development.

She added that no society can achieve its desire goals and objective if part of the population is marginalized.