Until her latest appointment, she served as Senior Program Officer at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for International Affairs, where she oversaw U.S. government-funded programs designed to strengthen democratic governance. In that role, she worked closely with state institutions, civil society groups, and political parties to promote accountability and openness in The Gambia.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Toura consulted for the International Republican Institute (IRI), providing technical assistance to the National Assembly and women’s rights groups in advancing national dialogue on constitutional reform. She also served at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) as Youth Empowerment and Women’s Affairs Officer, ensuring women and young people were meaningfully included in the truth-seeking process.
Beyond her professional roles, Ms Touray has been a visible advocate in the youth sector. In 2023, the Ministry of Youth and Sports appointed her to represent young women at the National Youth Council and to advise on policies affecting them. From 2022 to 2025, she also represented Gambian youth at the Commonwealth Youth Council.
Her expertise has been sought by international and regional organisations including the Gender Center for Empowering Development, National Endowment for Democracy, World Movement for Democracy, FemNET, and the African Women Leadership Forum. Her work with these institutions has centered on mainstreaming gender in political leadership and advancing safer, more resilient communities for women and youth.
Ms Touray is an alumna of the Women in Leadership Fellowship at the Nelson Mandela School for Public Governance, University of Cape Town. She also completed the Mandela Washington Fellowship and has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the 2024 U.S. Embassy Excellence in Civic Engagement Award and the 2022 She Awards Youth Excellence Award for her leadership and service to young women.
