By: Nyima Sillah
Observing the celebrations of International Women’s Day, the Centre for Sustainable Democracy, Inclusion, and Development last Friday held a panel discussion on examining Women’s underrepresentation in critical areas of the Gambia economy.
The dialogue was held at London Learning Centre, Brusubi.
The event was witnessed by women resource persons who shared their success stories with the challenges they encountered whilst journeying through it, especially the ones that came by reason of being a female in such field.
Speaking at the event, Jasong Sanyang, Interim Executive Director CeSDID, said: “the organization believes that with minds so conscious about what other women are capable of doing and the successes they attained in male-dominated fields, young women and girls can strive hard to succeed in unprecedented numbers in those STEM fields that are typically male-dominated.’
He noted that they have a good numbers of women in various fields of work “few of them in the medicine area, mathematics, auto mechanics, solar PV Technology and so on.”
Sharing her inspirational story Ms. Ida Faal, Auto Mechanic Founder Fita Faal Autos and Clock vet Foundation, told the students that car mechanic has always been her passion since the time she was going to school but her family was never in support of her until the last minute when she got support from her mum. “I used to be a laughing tool in my peers, I faced all sorts of discrimination but that doesn’t stop me from pushing. So, follow your dreams and don’t allow anyone to choose your career for you.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Fanta Fofana at EFSTH said the field of medicine is dominated by men, “we need more women doctors the more women we have in the society the more impactful we make in the society. Having some knowledge about health also helps in assisting the family in some basic health complications. So, I urge you to also venture into the fields of sciences most especially medicine.”
However, Ya Awa Njie Gomez, Trainer/Installer of Electrical and Electronics Solar PV Technology added that many girls are unfortunate because of their background because of men are always selected for any opportunities in men dominant fields. “I have been rejected several times because I am a female but I believe that women can do multitasking like men. It is high time that we work curriculum that will support these fields at the basic school levels. Motivation is lacking in our own educational system. Everyone should have a basic knowledge of electricity,” she added.
