In many Gambian communities, some of life's most important lessons are shared through stories. Whether gathered at the bantaba, under the shade of a tree, or during family evenings, children and young people have long learned about respect, responsibility, courage and community through the wisdom of their elders. Recognising the power of this tradition, Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), with support from UNFPA The Gambia, has established Ding Mba Nyimaa, a Grandmothers Club in Janjanbureh dedicated to addressing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
The name Ding Mba Nyimaa, chosen by the community itself, reflects the respect accorded to grandmothers as custodians of wisdom, culture and guidance within families and communities. The initiative recognises the influential role grandmothers continue to play in shaping attitudes, behaviours and decisions that affect the wellbeing of girls and young women.
The initiative began with a community gathering that brought together grandmothers, community leaders, women, young people, religious leaders and other stakeholders committed to improving the lives of girls. As part of the programme, 50 grassroots leaders received training in Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) approaches, equipping them with skills to address harmful social norms, promote gender equality and support adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Following the training, community members selected representatives to form the Ding Mba Nyimaa Grandmothers Club, ensuring local ownership and leadership from the outset.
The initiative is grounded in the understanding that practices such as FGM and child marriage are often sustained by deeply rooted social expectations and beliefs. While awareness raising and legal reforms remain important, lasting change is most effective when communities themselves reflect on harmful norms and embrace alternatives that protect the rights, health and future of girls.
At the heart of Ding Mba Nyimaa is storytelling. Through regular storytelling circles, grandmothers will bring together children, adolescents, parents and community members to discuss challenges affecting young people and explore solutions rooted in local realities. Stories will serve as a powerful starting point for conversations about education, healthy relationships, personal responsibility, protection and the rights of girls, helping to strengthen dialogue between generations and foster positive change.
Speaking on behalf of the newly established club, one grandmother and member of Ding Mba Nyimaa said:
"As grandmothers, we have always guided our children and grandchildren through stories, advice and life lessons. Now, we will use that same wisdom to protect our girls from harmful practices and help them build brighter futures. We want every girl to grow up healthy, safe and able to achieve her full potential."
Speaking about the initiative, Fatou Baldeh, Founder and CEO of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), said: "For generations, grandmothers have been the guardians of our stories, values and collective wisdom. Through Ding Mba Nyimaa, we are recognising the vital role they continue to play in guiding families and shaping community values. The same voices that have guided generations can also help lead efforts to end teenage pregnancy, child marriage and FGM and create safer futures for girls."
As Ding Mba Nyimaa begins its work in Janjanbureh, it demonstrates how communities can draw on their own traditions and strengths to drive change. By combining storytelling, community dialogue and social and behaviour change approaches, the initiative seeks to strengthen protection for girls, promote gender equality and support communities to abandon practices that undermine the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
Read Other Articles In National News
GDC youth leader debunks reports of joining NPP
Mar 26, 2021, 12:10 PM
