By Alieu Ceesay
Dressed in elegant white attire, women members of Rotary Clubs across The Gambia gathered to mark International Women’s Day and reaffirm their dedication to service, gender equality, and community development.
The celebration, held in recognition of both International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, highlighted the vital role of women Rotarians as innovative leaders, change-makers, and backbone supporters of Rotary’s humanitarian efforts in the country.
Speakers at the event emphasized that while notable progress has been recorded in women’s empowerment, significant challenges persist, including limited access to resources, gender-based discrimination, and economic inequality. They called for sustained collective action and stronger partnerships to address these issues in a meaningful and lasting way.
Dr. Monica Buchanan praised Rotarian women for their unwavering commitment and resilience. She described them as leaders responsible for some of the most innovative service projects in families, communities, and within Rotary itself.
“Rotarian women are leaders,” Dr. Buchanan said. “We are responsible for some of the most innovative service-related activities in our families, communities, and within Rotary. Rotarian women build networks. We understand the importance of making meaningful connections and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all women to thrive.”
She added that Rotarian women continue to demonstrate courage by embracing new challenges and saying “yes” to opportunities that enhance personal growth, community development, and global impact.
The event also featured inspiring reflections from past leaders. Musukebba Ceesay, a former President of a Rotary Club in The Gambia, shared her personal journey into Rotary – a path driven by passion and purpose, despite the initial challenge of low female representation in the organization.
Ceesay urged fellow women Rotarians to take bold steps forward.
“Rotary is evolving, as you may know. But it needs women to accelerate that evolution. Not just to attend meetings. Not just to support projects. But to lead, to influence, and to shape the direction,” she said. “Because when women lead, the impact is different. It is deeper, it is more inclusive, and it is more sustainable.”
Adamant Bojang, Assistant District Rotaract Representative, highlighted the growing influence of young women in Rotaract. She described them as “an unstoppable force of impact and warriors for service” both nationally and globally.
“Rotaract women in The Gambia have become an undeniable force in Rotaract, driving change, fostering innovation, and leading with passion and purpose,” Bojang stated.
She noted that Rotaract Gambia currently has 55 members across three clubs, with women dominating in numbers in each club.
The gathering served as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of women Rotarians and to inspire the next generation. Attendees encouraged young girls across the country to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination.
Women Rotarians showcased their ongoing initiatives focused on education, health, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Through mentorship programs and community outreach, they continue to create opportunities for women to thrive and assume leadership positions in society.
Senior Rotarians, including Adelle Sock – one of the country’s most experienced women Rotarians – were present, demonstrating strong commitment and support for the service-oriented work being undertaken.
As the event concluded, participants reaffirmed their pledge to build a more inclusive society where women’s voices are heard, valued, and empowered to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
The celebration underscored a central message: from service to impact, Gambian women in Rotary remain at the forefront of positive transformation, proving that when women lead with compassion, resilience, and courage, entire communities rise.
