Women’s Affairs
With Fatou Krubally
Women in the media in The Gambia continue to face significant challenges, ranging from gender bias in newsrooms to online harassment and limited access to leadership positions. Despite these obstacles, a growing number of women are redefining the profession through resilience, professionalism, and community service. Among them is Maimuna Batch Bandeh, Manager of Bansang Community Radio, whose work is reshaping local broadcasting in the Central River Region.
Born and raised in Bansang, Maimuna Batch Bandeh developed an early interest in serving her community through information and communication. While attending Armitage Senior Secondary School, she discovered journalism as a tool for education and empowerment rather than personal recognition.
She later pursued studies at the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), earning a certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management. Although this training provided a stable professional foundation, her interest in media remained strong. She subsequently obtained professional journalism training at the Insight Training Center, enabling her to formally enter the media sector.
Today, as manager of Bansang Community Radio, Maimuna oversees daily operations, staff coordination, and programme scheduling. In addition to her managerial role, she remains an on-air presenter, delivering programmes in English, Mandinka, and Fula. Her broadcasts focus on agriculture, health, education, and women’s issues, addressing the practical concerns of rural communities.
Through these programmes, the radio station has become a key source of information for farmers, women and young people across the region, reinforcing the role of community radio in local development.
Like many women journalists, Maimuna has faced gender-based discrimination and online harassment. Global studies indicate that a significant majority of female journalists experience online abuse, including threats and sexual harassment. Leadership positions in media institutions also remain largely male-dominated.
Acknowledging these challenges, Maimuna maintains that persistence and professionalism are essential for women seeking to succeed in the field. She has extended her advocacy beyond the newsroom through active involvement in media organisations. She has served as a member of the Gambia Press Union and is currently Assistant Secretary General of the Network of Community Radio Stations in The Gambia. She has also held positions as a board member and youth representative.
These roles have allowed her to contribute to policy discussions, mentor emerging journalists and advocate for inclusivity and safety within the media sector.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life remains a key concern. Maimuna emphasises the importance of work-life balance, noting that productivity should not come at the expense of personal well-being or family responsibilities.
She advises young women aspiring to careers in journalism to focus on skills development, ethical practice and continuous learning. According to her, curiosity, research and strong storytelling remain central to responsible journalism.
Maimuna Batch Bandeh’s career reflects the growing influence of women in Gambian media. Her work highlights how female journalists can drive change by amplifying community voices, challenging stereotypes and occupying leadership spaces.
As her voice continues to reach listeners across Bansang and surrounding communities, she stands as a symbol of commitment and service, demonstrating that women’s participation in media is not only about representation but about leadership, resilience and community impact.