By Binta S Jawo
In The Gambia women’s organisations across the country were in observance of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2024. One of the organisations is the Women’s Association for Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE).
WAVE was formed in mid-2019 in response to calls from women victims of human rights violations and abuses in The Gambia, who lamented that women’s voices, especially that of women victims, are not often considered with the weight they should be. WAVE continues to play a significant role in the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) which recognises the gaps in addressing the concerns of women victims.
Speaking to Gainako about their celebration of IWD this year, WAVE Technical Director Ms Priscilla Yagu Ciesay explained that they hosted “a series of activities and events during which [they] engage with family members of victims of enforced disappearances and other women victims to commemorate international women’s day”.
Along with a market for women traders, the theme for WAVE’s celebrations was “Healing Memories – Healing Trauma” which “emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past and working towards healing from the trauma experienced by women”.
The event took place at the Alliance Franco Gambian facility at Kairaba Avenue on Friday 8th March 2024, the celebration featured a “theatrical trauma-informed workshop, mediation, counselling and expressive art therapy sessions, etc. The day started with a therapy session where women narrated stories and made a commitment to support each other in times of difficulty.
Women and girls in rural areas, particularly, highlight a pervasive patriarchal social system as well as cultural and traditional norms which stifle gains to achieve gender equality and the full realisation of individual rights and freedoms. Two of these victims spoke to Gainako at the event.
Kumba Secka and Kaddy Secka from Kerr Mott Ali in Upper Saloum were victimised because of their religion. Kerr Mott Ali is a small community of Gambians who follow the Ndiggal Sect who were forced into exile across the border to Kerr Mott Ali Senegal back in 2009. Since then, court rulings in their favour could not be affected to return them to the Gambia.
The TRRC recommended for the court rulings to be implemented to facilitate their return through the support of the Government and local community. WAVE has been instrumental in progressing the implementation of the return of the Kerr Mott Ali community currently in exile and has hosted numerous meetings inside the Gambia with leaders of the Ndiggal Sect.
Currently, exiled in Senegal approximately 300m from their home Ndigal Sect leaders often travel to The Gambia, to advocate for their return. One of the leaders, Kumba Secka is an entrepreneur in the fashion design industry, tie and dye and shoe making, and is calling for more support for women to excel in business. “Women are the breadwinners in some homes but they don’t have the assistance needed to help their family,” said Kumba.
Mariama J Ceesay from WAVE noted that this year IWD aims to also recognise the achievements and challenges women face to build comradery amongst women to overcome these challenges. In her view, more effort is needed “to support victims and survivors of discrimination and abuses to provide them with support to recover from the trauma they encountered”.
Another participant Mariama Conneh highlighted that hard work should be celebrated especially those working towards gaining gender equality. “It’s a moment for us to reflect on women who are facing discrimination due to their gender” she added.
Exiled Gambians in Kerr Mot Ali Senegal Urge Government to Facilitate their Return Home