#Opinion

Women & Society : Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The Brave Leadership of Neneh Bojang

Aug 12, 2025, 10:58 AM | Article By: Isatou Ceesay

From the halls of power in Banjul to the community centers of Oslo, Ms. Neneh Bojang has carved a path defined by courage, service, and a steadfast belief in empowering others.

The Gambian-Norwegian career guidance expert, peace ambassador, and media personality has spent more than three decades breaking barriers and building futures for those often left behind.

Born in The Gambia on January 19, 1971, Bojang’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She began her career in public service at the Office of the President in Banjul before branching into international work spanning Europe and Africa. Today, she stands as one of the most respected voices in career guidance and workforce development, with 19 years of experience helping vulnerable groups, job seekers, and young people navigate their paths to employment.

Her courage is evident not only in her words but also in her actions. Bojang has worked with grassroots communities where opportunities are scarce, designing training programs and job centers that change lives. In The Gambia, she was instrumental in creating the country’s first Government Job Centre, rebranding the Department of Labour, launching advocacy campaigns, and training staff in career guidance, an initiative supported by the United Nations Peace-building Fund and the International Trade Centre.

As the Managing Director of Jobs Consulting Group, she continues to confront the challenges of a changing workforce, bridging the gap between job seekers and employers. In Norway, she serves with the Norwegian Directorate for Work, Welfare, and Social Security, guiding citizens on employment rights, welfare benefits, and career development, particularly for minority communities.

But Bojang’s leadership extends far beyond the workplace. As President of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) in Oslo, she lectures on peace education, coordinates projects promoting global peace, and represents her organisation at the United Nations. She is also the founder of the Inter-African Committee in Norway, championing gender equality and the rights of children and minorities, and has successfully managed over 10 community projects since 2011.

Her voice resonates in the media as well. Through her long-running talk show “Neneh” on Mamos TV and the Women’s Hour radio program, she challenges societal norms, amplifies women’s voices, and connects the Diaspora to the African continent.

For her outstanding service, Bojang has received numerous awards, including being named OXLO Ambassador and Role Model by the Norwegian Department for Diversity and Integration, recognition among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), and the title of International Women’s Peace Ambassador. In 2015, she was named TV Presenter of the Year by Interface Gambia (UK).

Fluent in English, Norwegian, Mandinka, and Wolof, Bojang navigates cultures with ease, using her skills to unite communities. Her bravery lies not only in challenging systems but also in creating solutions—turning obstacles into opportunities for those who follow.

“I see every role I take on—whether in government, civil society, or the media—as an opportunity to open doors for someone else,” she says. “When you give people the tools to stand on their own, you change not just their lives, but the future of their community.”

From breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces to building platforms that give others a voice, Neneh Bojang’s leadership is a testament to what happens when courage meets compassion. Her journey continues to inspire, proving that brave women do not just change their own destinies—they help shape the destinies of nations.