In an exclusive interview with The Point, Touma reflected on her upbringing and the values that shaped her leadership. Raised by her grandmother - a non-Gambian who instilled in her a deep sense of fairness and justice - Touma credits those lessons as the foundation of her purpose. “My grandmother taught me to always be fair and just to everyone, regardless of who they are,” she shared.
Her recognition as one of Africa’s most reputable figures underscores her impactful work in advancing the rights of women and girls. As a vocal advocate for human rights, Touma has become a respected figure not only in The Gambia but also across the continent.
Touma’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating political hurdles to leaving a mark in international diplomacy as a top UN diplomat, her resilience has been unwavering. She draws inspiration from ordinary women whose struggles often go unnoticed. “The resilience of women like the fish vendor in my local market, who sacrifices so much for her children’s education, motivates me every day,” she says.
Touma believes education is the key to progress, particularly for women, but acknowledges the barriers many girls face - poverty and societal expectations often forcing families to prioritize boys’ education. “For many girls, even reaching high school is a challenge due to financial constraints. Education is the main barrier we must overcome,” she emphasizes.
As Chair of the Gender Committee in Parliament, Touma has been at the forefront of tackling issues like female genital mutilation (FGM). While careful not to take a rigid stance, she emphasizes the importance of education and evidence-based policymaking. “We need to raise awareness about the impacts of these practices and align our policies with modern medical standards to prevent harm,” she cautions.
Beyond policy, Touma is determined to see more women in leadership roles, advocating for at least 30% female representation in Parliament. “It’s about creating opportunities for future generations of women - not just in politics, but across all sectors of society,” she affirms.
Touma is also a mentor to young people, urging them to stay true to themselves and prioritize education. “My voice in Parliament carries weight because it’s backed by knowledge and research. Education is the foundation of authority and power,” she says.
Reflecting on her own journey, Touma acknowledges that cultural and traditional practices often hinder progress. While respecting her heritage, she advocates for adapting to modern realities. “Our ancestors travelled by horse, but now we have airplanes. Progress doesn’t mean abandoning our roots - it means evolving while preserving them,” she remarked.
Touma’s story took a pivotal turn during her 2022 re-election campaign, a time when many believed she would lose. But her unwavering commitment to her core principles - Perseverance, Determination, Dedication, and Sincerity (PDDS) - saw her prevail. “During my last term, I served with sincerity, remained dedicated and was determined to do what was right. Perseverance was essential, as the road was never easy,” she reflected.
Her determination to challenge norms also led her to contest for political party leadership - an unprecedented move for a woman in The Gambia’s 60 years of independence. Although the decision resulted in her expulsion, she stood firm, taking the matter to court. While the case was overtaken by events, Touma eventually won. Her greatest victory, however, was reclaiming her parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
“Had I given up, I would have become a symbol of failure and fear, discouraging mothers from allowing their daughters to enter politics,” Touma said. “Instead, my journey has become a purpose, a beacon for every girl to dream and persevere, no matter the challenges.”
For Touma, her success represents more than personal achievement - it’s about paving the way for young girls to lead. “I see my journey as clearing the thorny paths so others can walk through with ease. With PDDS - Perseverance, Determination, Dedication, and Sincerity - we can overcome any barrier and create opportunities for the next generation,” she concluded
Fatoumatta Njai’s inspiring story, rooted in her grandmother’s wisdom, has become a powerful symbol of hope for women and girls striving for equality, representation and empowerment.
