By: Awa Conteh
Welcome to this week’s episode of Women in STEM, where we celebrate inspiring women driving change in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This week, we feature Haddijatou Ceesay, a remarkable environmental scientist whose passion for climate justice has made her a prominent voice for youth and women in The Gambia and beyond. Ms Ceesay’s relentless advocacy for climate justice and youth inclusion has positioned her as a pioneer in the fight against environmental challenges. Her story is a call to action for young women and girls to embrace STEM fields and become agents of change in their communities.
Rooted in Resilience
Growing up in Banjul and later residing in Busumbala, Haddijatou Ceesay’s journey began with her community’s daily challenges due to climate change. Though her family was fortunate to avoid its worst impacts, she witnessed neighbors struggle during the rainy season, with children missing school and families searching for clean water.
“Seeing these challenges ignited a desire within me to help. I questioned how young people like me could access quality education and healthcare without being affected by climate change,” Haddijatou told The Alkamba Times.
Determined to make a difference, Haddijatou pursued a degree in Environmental Science at the University of The Gambia (UTG), graduating in 2022 as one of the top students in her class. However, the journey was not easy. Limited access to hands-on practical training in her early years was a significant hurdle. She overcame this by volunteering with environmental organizations, attending seminars, and engaging in fieldwork. These experiences earned valuable hands-on experience that complemented her theoretical knowledge, shaping her understanding of how science.
“During my first years as an environmental science student, practical analysis was challenging because we barely did practicals. However, my passion for the field drove me to seek exposure through extra fieldwork, seminars, and volunteering. These opportunities gave me the knowledge I needed to connect science with community realities,” she shares.
From Grassroots to Global Advocacy
Haddijatou’s dedication to environmental advocacy began at the grassroots level during her university years, where she worked tirelessly to raise awareness about climate change in her community. She volunteered with NGOs and youth organizations, gradually expanding her influence. Her efforts quickly gained recognition, and she became The Gambia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Ambassador for Care About Climate. In this role, she reviewed her country’s climate commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and provided input on strengthening these policies.
“The more I learned, the more I realized the importance of inclusive policies that reflect the needs of women and marginalized groups,” she explains. “Women, especially in The Gambia, are the backbone of agriculture, yet they are often excluded from conversations about climate solutions.”
Her leadership extended to organizing the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY) in The Gambia, where she served as Lead Coordinator. The event brought together young people from across the country to share ideas, concerns, and solutions, culminating in the creation of the National Youth Statement on Climate Change, a policy document to influence national and international climate actions.
“The LCOY gives space for young people to amplify their voices. For me, it’s an opportunity to ensure women and girls are represented and that their concerns are addressed at decision-making levels,” Haddijatou notes.
Building a Sustainable Future
Now an Environmental and Research Consultant at SKM Environmental Engineering, Haddijatou works tirelessly to address pressing environmental issues. Her involvement in revising The Gambia’s waste management strategy emphasized the importance of implementation.
Beyond policy work, Haddijatou is committed to empowering women and children through education and advocacy. She envisions a future where grassroots initiatives lead the charge in building climate resilience.
Despite balancing research and advocacy challenges, Haddijatou is committed to fostering intergenerational equity in climate justice. She believes the intersection of science and indigenous knowledge is the key to sustainable solutions.
“The science of climate is real, and we must also focus on indigenous knowledge for sustainable adaptation projects. Together, these approaches can build resilience,” she explains.
In The Gambia, women play a central role in agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries, forming the backbone of the country’s economy. However, they face significant challenges like limited resource access, saltwater intrusion, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Inspiring a Movement
Looking ahead, Haddijatou plans to engage more youth, particularly women and children, through advocacy, research, and community projects.
“When we invest in women and girls, we’re investing in the future,” Haddijatou emphasizes. “We need more programs that support their entry into STEM fields and empower them to lead in climate action.”
As climate change continues to threaten communities worldwide, particularly The Gambia, Haddijatou’s work reminds us that solutions require the inclusion of diverse voices. Women and girls, armed with education and opportunity, can lead the fight for a sustainable future. Her call to action extends to young women who may be hesitant to pursue careers in science.
“Do not wait for perfect conditions,” she advises. “Start where you are, with what you have. Volunteer, research, advocate, and never stop learning. Every small effort contributes to a larger impact.”
Haddijatou Ceesay’s story reminds us of women’s incredible potential in shaping a sustainable and equitable future. Her journey from a curious young girl witnessing the effects of climate change to becoming a leading advocate and environmental scientist highlights the importance of resilience, education, and community-driven solutions. Let her journey inspire you to contribute to the fight against climate change, no matter how small your first step may seem.
As we wrap up this week’s episode of Women in STEM, let Haddijatou’s passion and dedication inspire us all. She has shown that when women and girls are empowered with knowledge and opportunities, they can lead transformative change. Investing in STEM education for women isn’t just about equality—it’s about equipping communities with the tools they need to overcome challenges and build resilience in the face of a changing world.
