Challenging patriarchy in Gambia

DW (English)

Beyond the limited opportunities in politics for women in Gambia, deeply rooted patriarchal norms still obstruct them. Activists are calling for increased women's participation in national politics.

Transcript

00:00Fatima Tajala Tambajang was Gambia's vice president from 2017 to 2018.

00:08The trailblazing advocate for women's rights has long championed gender equality in politics.

00:14She is disheartened by the slow progress at national level.

00:19We have found that still we are behind, we are lagging time.

00:24From the constitutional point of view, it's a human right for women and men to work together as partners to build a nation, to build a state.

00:36Women we saw that we manifested in different places.

00:39However, I'm disappointed that to date you have under-representation of women in decision-making.

00:48If you look at in the cabinet, five women against how many men in parliament, the same.

00:55Everywhere you go in the local governance also is under-represented and this has to stop.

01:01Recently, Jala Tambajang announced her intention to run for president.

01:06A bold move that defies traditional expectations and inspires all the women to aim high.

01:12Despite the criticism from some men, she remains resolute.

01:16I have made a declaration, but I'm not making any further information, I'm not giving further information until we come to the bridge.

01:28You know, now is the time to walk on the ferry that is going to cross me and cross those who are patriotic,

01:37that really want to go for real change.

01:42We fought for change for so many years, including 2016, uprooting a dictator of 22 years.

01:51Women make up half the population, yet their presence in top political roles remains minimal.

01:57From the cabinet to the national assembly, men still dominate leadership positions.

02:03But many believe the time for sidelining Gambian women is over.

02:07We are doing well.

02:25We are doing well, so we are going to be the president and we are going to be the president.

02:34Patriarchal norms still shape political attitudes in the Gambia.

02:39It even influences who votes for women politicians.

02:43Modulamin Davies encourages men to support women in politics.

02:47Men not supporting women's political ambition reverse around patriarchy.

02:53Sometimes, of course, there are men that will do it consciously, others unconsciously,

02:57because this is a system that they know and it is what they are used to.

03:01Patriarchy teaches men, most Gambian men, that when it comes to leadership roles and positions,

03:07they are already served for men.

03:09And as such, women are supposed to be confined at home to just take care of the children

03:14and also do other domestic house chores.

03:16Moodlamin's organization Men for Equality is focused on reshaping societal attitudes and empowering women to lead.

03:25Activists like Yadikonjai Eribo believed that dismantling harmful cultural norms is essential for women to thrive in leadership.

03:34You know, there is a lot of violence going on that is keeping women from coming out,

03:40women that are interested in coming out for positions.

03:44We start with the bullying.

03:47People bully, people call names, and also social media as well.

03:55In social media, they will really tear you up.

03:59And so, if you are not a strong woman, even strong women, the strongest of us,

04:04will have a hard time making it, staying there focused when so many things are being said about you.

04:12Janna Tambajang believes that empowered women can achieve remarkable things.

04:19Her personal journey serves as a beacon of hope for girls and women across the Gambia.

04:25In politics, people are saying it's difficult.

04:28Yes, it's difficult for women because of cultural barriers.

04:32People say, you know, perhaps it's a woman.

04:36But women are living in the houses.

04:38They are living in the communities.

04:40They are making change in the lives of people.

04:42And we have seen as Muslims and even Christians,

04:46you find that women have led in many struggles.

04:51Women have led and they have made difference.

04:53So, my call on them is for them to work together,

04:58to support each other,

05:00to be really focused on mobilizing themselves

05:04and ensuring that more women are elected in decision making.

05:10That's the only way we can really make a difference

05:14and we can contribute towards the interest of empowerment of women and young girls.

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