As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, The Alkamba Times spotlights Mrs. Ndella Faye Colley, the dynamic Executive Director of ActionAid International, The Gambia (AAITG), whose unwavering commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation has made her a beacon of hope for women across the nation. In a country where women’s voices are increasingly vital to national development, Colley’s journey from grassroots advocate to top leadership exemplifies resilience, innovation, and transformative impact.
Born and raised in The Gambia, Ndella Faye Colley’s passion for development was ignited early on. She holds a Master of Science in Development Planning and Management from the University of Dortmund in Germany and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies, and a Diploma in Gender and Development.
These academic credentials laid the foundation for a career dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities, particularly women and girls facing systemic barriers.
Colley’s professional trajectory began at the Department of Planning in the Ministry of Agriculture, where she honed her skills in strategic planning and policy implementation. She then transitioned to roles in national and international organizations, including a significant stint with the United Nations System in The Gambia. From November 2014 to March 2018, she served at ActionAid The Gambia as Fundraising Manager and later as Head of Fundraising, Supporter Care, and Communications.
During this period, Colley was instrumental in securing European Union funding for groundbreaking women’s empowerment projects, which empowered countless women through skills training, economic opportunities, and advocacy against harmful practices.
In April 2023, Colley returned to ActionAid as its eighth Executive Director, succeeding the long-serving Omar Badji.
Her appointment was met with widespread acclaim, as colleagues praised her visionary leadership and ability to foster partnerships. “I am honored to provide strategic leadership to this dedicated team,” Colley stated upon taking office. “We will build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, strengthening ties with national, international, and community-based organizations, while exploring new collaborations with the private sector and diaspora to create greater impacts for people living in poverty, especially women.”
Under her stewardship, AAITG has intensified efforts in women’s rights and youth empowerment. Colley has championed initiatives addressing climate resilience, education, health, and the elimination of harmful traditional practices – areas critical to The Gambia’s progress.
In a recent meeting with Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, alongside ActionAid International Secretary General Arthur Larok, she emphasized collaborative strategies for women and youth empowerment, agricultural development, and regional governance.
“Empowering youth begins with understanding their needs, aspirations, and challenges,” Colley has often remarked, as seen in her advocacy for platforms like The Gambia’s first-ever youth and sports database, which she described as “more than a technical innovation – it’s a tool for real empowerment.”
Colley’s influence extends beyond organizational boundaries. As a prominent women’s leader, she has urged government officials to prioritize gender-inclusive policies. In one notable address, she called on the Vice President to bolster support for women’s participation in decision-making processes.<
Her work aligns with broader regional frameworks, such as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which seeks to eliminate discrimination against women.
Through AAITG’s partnerships, including with local councils such as the Mansakonko Area Council, Colley has pushed for youth-responsive strategies that integrate women’s perspectives into development planning.
Despite challenges such as shrinking development funding, as highlighted at AAITG’s 14th Annual General Assembly in 2025, Colley remains optimistic.
“Development funding has been a persistent challenge, but this year has been particularly tough,” she noted, yet emphasized the organization’s progress in community-driven projects.
Her leadership has also earned accolades, including the Youth Empowerment Award presented to Activista The Gambia under her guidance, recognizing her efforts to amplify young voices.
On this International Women’s Day, Ndella Faye Colley’s story inspires a new generation. In a nation where women hold only 8.6% of National Assembly seats and 7% of local council positions, her advocacy for equal opportunities resonates deeply. “We must reinforce women’s capacity and empower them to participate fully in the development agenda,” she asserts.
By recognizing the rights of girls and young women, Colley envisions a Gambia where everyone can fulfill their potential.
As The Alkamba Times celebrates trailblazers like Colley, her legacy reminds us that true progress stems from inclusive leadership. Through her tireless work, she not only leads ActionAid but also paves the way for a more equitable future for Gambian women.
