She implored her fellow women to support each other and take up leadership positions, get rid of the fear, use their knowledge and stand up for positions.
Being one of first female alkalolu in The Gambia, Aja Aja Fatou Danso said she was selected by the villagers to lead the village after the demise of her elder brother who succeeded their late father as the alkalo of Kabakama.
She recalled that when she was vying for the position in 1984, there were lots of critics from some villagers considering that she was a woman taking up a responsibility mainly viewed as men’s.
She recalled that her nomination and selection were attributed to roles played by her family especially her late brother and father who were both alkalolu as well as her active engagements in the community.
She added that since her selection to date, the community members have been very cooperative with her and worked towards the development of the village peacefully.
Talking about her role in the underrepresentation of women in decision making in the national and community levels, she said patriarchy, illiteracy, and socio-cultural and religious beliefs were factors that continue to militate against women’s political participation.
Gambian women currently make up over 50% of the country’s population. Still, they are eager to play meaningful roles in all the facets of the political processes.
