Ceesay, a senior reporter with The Point, recently won an international media award from the globally renowned Merck Foundation. The award was announced during a virtual ceremony held on Thursday as part of the Merck Foundation’s annual media recognition programme, which aims to honour exceptional journalism that promotes health, gender equality, and social justice.
She was awarded under the Merck Foundation More than a mother media recognition in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) reporting category, triumphing over several journalists from across the world.
Her outstanding contributions through impactful storytelling and advocacy for the rights of women and girls earned her this well-deserved recognition.
However, the official presentation of the award and certificate is scheduled to take place sometime in October during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Conference, which will be hosted in The Gambia.
The event will be graced by the First Lady of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, who also serves as an Ambassador for the Merck Foundation’s initiatives in the country.
Widely known for her bold and inspiring journalism, she is the force behind a popular weekly column dubbed - “Women and Society”, that comes on the pages of The Point Newspaper, a platform she uses to highlight the voices, challenges, and triumphs of women and girls across The Gambia and beyond.
Her mission as a journalist is rooted in her passion for gender justice and human rights. Through her reporting, she has consistently worked to empower women and gives them a platform to speak out on issues that affect their lives.
Reacting to the award, Ceesay said the award means so much to her, as “it is not just a recognition of my work,” but a reminder of the responsibility she carries to keep advocating for the voiceless.
“It’s a task, not just a trophy and it pushes me to work even harder. I want to express deep gratitude to the management of The Point Newspaper for entrusting me with the space and support to showcase my talent. I also want to sincerely thank Baba Hydara, my editors and colleagues for always believing in me. I also encourage my fellow journalists, especially young women, to focus on impactful stories – stories that spark change and give a vice to the marginalised.”
Ceesay has received several accolades for her work in recent years. In 2022, she won the Travel and Tourism Reporting Award at the Gambia Press Union National Journalism Awards. In 2024, she was nominated for the National Youth Parliament Award, and the She Awards respectively which celebrates young change-makers for their contributions to national development.
Known for her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the truth, Isatou’s journalistic journey is a testament to the power of storytelling in driving social transformation. Her latest achievement with the Merck Foundation not only highlights her individual excellence but also elevates the status of Gambian journalism on the global stage.
