Groundbreaking: She Awards Gambia Holds Its Inaugural Awards Night

Gambia’s most influential women in business, media, science, politics, entertainment and leadership received recognition at the prestigious She Awards which was held on International Women’s Day at the Jama Hall at Kairaba Beach Hotel.

She Awards Gambia is a woman-founded organization and the first awards scheme in The Gambia that aims at recognizing and celebrating the achievements of outstanding Gambian women from different sectors and walks of life. Through initiatives such as the awards ceremony in commemoration of International Women’s Day, She Awards highlights women that inspire other women and girls through the respective work that they do.

This year’s show was hosted by actress, Mariama Colley, and Andy Spike of Spike Media. A night of women empowerment, the ceremony celebrated Gambian women who continue to be change makers in their communities, even taking a moment to celebrate the life and legacy of late journalist, Sise Sawaneh.

Check out the list of the 2020 She Awards winners below:

Most Outstanding Woman-Led Organization – Think Young Women (TYW)

Think Young Women (TYW) is a woman led non-profit organization formed in 2010 that seeks to assist women and girls to achieve their individual and collective interests by developing their leadership skills, empowering through capacity building and raising awareness, networking and mentorship.

Most Outstanding Woman Activist – Jaha Dukureh

Jaha Dukureh is a survivor of and advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. She founded Safe Hands for Girls, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide support to women and girls in Africa who are survivors of FGM and addresses its lifelong, harmful physical and psychological consequences.

She has contributed towards President Obama’s administration investigating the profile of FGM in the USA and the subsequent Summit to End FGM at the United States Institute of Peace, alongside women’s organizations and civil society.

Jaha’s activism has led to the banning of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia.

Most Outstanding Woman Politician – Rohey Malick Lowe

Rohey Malick Lowe is the Mayor for the Banjul City Council (BCC). She is the first woman to ever be elected to that position.

Lowe has donated a total of D10,000 of her own money to the Rohey Malick Lowe Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment Initiative in cooperation with Guarantee Trust Bank in fulfilment of a campaign promise to empower the women of Banjul.

Most Outstanding Woman Legal Practitioner – Neneh MC Cham

Neneh MC Cham is a private Legal Practitioner in active general practice since November 2000. She is one of the most prominent Human Rights lawyers in The Gambia.

Most Outstanding Woman in Media – Haddy Badjie

Haddy Badjie started working at GRTS in 1991 as an announcer and rose through the ranks. She is currently serving as the Director of Radio Programmes.

Most Outstanding Woman Writer – Janet Badjan-Young

Janet Badjan-Young is the chairperson of the Ebudjan Performing Arts Association. She has staged a number of memorable plays that were written to motivate social change.

Janet Badjan-Young has a BA in Drama and a Master’s degree in Communications.

Most Outstanding Woman in STEM – Dr. Ramou Njie

Dr. Ramou Nie is a Physician, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. She is interested in research on cancer prevention.

Most Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur – Haddy Faye

Haddy Faye is a fashion and entertainment entrepreneur. She is the owner and proprietor of one of the biggest and most successful entertainment companies in The Gambia, Absolute Entertainment.

Most Outstanding Woman Civil Servant – Dr. Jainaba Sey Sawo

Dr. Jainanba Sey Sawo serves as the clinical supervisor and senior nursing officer for the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. She is also the senior head of department and acting dean of the school of Nursing and Reproductive Health at the University of The Gambia from 2012 to date.

The Sise Sawaneh Award/Outstanding Woman of the Year – Fatou Baldeh

Fatou Baldeh has been an active advocate against sexual and gender-based violence with a particular focus on FGM, sexual abuse, and the provision of psych-social support to survivors of SGBV.

Special Awards

Legacy Award – Sise Sawaneh

Honorary Award – Therese Drammeh

Pioneer Award – Musu Komma