In the heart of The Gambia, Maimuna Kujabi is bending both bodies and boundaries. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a child, she turned chronic pain into a catalyst for change, founding Malkey’s Yoga—the country’s first and youngest officially registered yoga club. At 24, Maimuna became a beacon of resilience, transforming her struggle into a national movement and reshaping wellness across Africa.
Maimuna’s journey began not on a yoga mat but in the grip of persistent joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition affecting over 350 million people globally per the World Health Organization’s 2020 report, brought chronic discomfort and limited mobility.
In The Gambia, where access to advanced treatments is scarce and cultural stigmas around chronic illness persist, Maimuna faced not just physical challenges but also isolation. “I couldn’t move like other kids,” she recalls. “The pain was constant, and so was the silence around it.”
Traditional remedies offered little relief, and the emotional toll weighed heavily. Then, as a teenager, Maimuna discovered yoga, not as a trendy workout but as a lifeline. “Yoga chose me,” she says. “It wasn’t about fitness; it was about survival.” With no local instructors or resources, she taught herself, scouring online videos and experimenting with poses. “My body guided me, and my pain fueled me,” she explains. A 2017 study in the International Journal of Yoga supports her instinct: regular yoga practice can reduce joint pain, improve flexibility, and enhance quality of life for arthritis patients.
In a country where yoga was virtually unknown, Maimuna’s dedication drew skepticism. Gym-goers mocked her, social media critics spread rumors, and cultural misunderstandings labeled her practice as foreign or frivolous. “Some thought I was wasting my time,” she says. “Others were jealous of my focus.” Yet, she persisted. “The criticism only pushed me harder.”
Her resilience paid off. As her health improved, Maimuna envisioned a broader impact. In 2020, she founded Malkey’s Yoga, creating a safe space for Gambians—especially women and youth—to heal physically and emotionally. Registering the club was a milestone; at the time, she became the youngest person in The Gambia to establish a certified yoga organization. “I wanted Malkey’s Yoga to mend broken spirits, not just bodies,” she says.
As noted in the Global Wellness Institute’s 2023 report, the rise of wellness in Africa reflects growing interest in holistic health. The continent’s wellness economy is among the fastest-growing globally, blending traditional healing with modern practices. Maimuna’s work aligns with this shift, but her journey is uniquely Gambian. A trained nurse, she combines medical knowledge with yoga’s therapeutic benefits. As a culinary ambassador, she’s represented The Gambia in international cooking competitions, weaving cultural pride into her global presence.
Her influence extends beyond borders. In Senegal, Ghana, and even India—yoga’s birthplace—Maimuna is celebrated as a cultural bridge, merging African traditions with universal wellness. Yet, her path wasn’t without obstacles. Media scrutiny, misinformation, and envy within the fitness community tested her resolve. “There were days I wanted to quit,” she admits. “But I remembered the girl who couldn’t walk without pain. I owed her this fight.”
Today, Malkey’s Yoga is a sanctuary. Maimuna’s classes attract young women grappling with body image, elders seeking mobility, and anyone craving peace in a chaotic world. Her teaching style—rooted in empathy and science—resonates deeply. “She makes you feel seen,” says Awa, a 22-year-old student. “It’s not just yoga; it’s healing.”
Maimuna’s vision is expansive. She plans to bring yoga to schools, partner with healthcare providers, and train new instructors to sustain the movement. “I want every girl who feels broken to know she can rise,” she says. Her story is a testament to transformation, not just personal but cultural. In a nation awakening to holistic health, Maimuna is a pioneer, proving that pain can birth purpose.
As Africa’s wellness narrative evolves, Maimuna Kujabi stands tall: a nurse, ambassador, and symbol of grit. She reminds us that one story can bend a nation toward healing, from a child in pain to a leader sparking change.
