By Sainabou Sambou
While International Women’s Day is celebrated globally, for many Gambian women, it is a profound moment of reflection, responsibility, and legacy-building. In fashion, music, and entrepreneurship, trailblazers Ya Awa Conateh, Mariama Cham, and Fatima Jonkong Jammeh are not only excelling in their fields but are also actively creating platforms and opportunities for other women to thrive. Through creative design, powerful sound, and skill-building initiatives, their work embodies resilience, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation.
Ya Awa Conateh, Chief Executive Officer of Yaws Designs, views International Women’s Day as both deeply personal and professional. “Without women, there would be nothing else,” she told The Alkamba Times. She described the day as prompting reflection on her mother, who ran a salon that doubled as a vibrant creative hub for Senegambian fashion, music, dance, and poetry—promoting arts and culture long before it gained widespread recognition. Her mother balanced business, family, and community leadership with quiet elegance, serving as an early model of women’s strength.
Today, Conateh leads a multifaceted brand encompassing fashion, décor, and events, using her platform to champion arts and culture. She serves on boards and organizations with strong female representation, including Rise Women Network, The Dennakuwo Secretariat, and Gaye Njorro Skills Training Academy. “International Women’s Day is a commitment to expanding opportunities for other women,” she emphasized.
Conateh acknowledged being underestimated in leadership spaces traditionally viewed as masculine, where her brand’s beauty often overshadowed the strategist and negotiator behind it. She overcame this by investing in her craft, building competence, and standing firm in her vision. Her work now creates employment and visibility for women as models, makeup artists, photographers, artisans, painters, actors, and performers. One of her proudest achievements was the international event “2 Continents 1 Runway,” organized with the Turkish Embassy, where she later realized 70 percent of the project team were women—a powerful milestone for such a large-scale initiative.
Looking ahead, Conateh aims to expand mentorship, sustainability efforts, and cross-continental collaborations to build stronger creative, economic, and cultural systems for women.
Singer and artist Mariama Cham traces her musical journey to a childhood immersed in African drums and ancestral stories. “Music has the power to connect people and communicate profound messages,” she said. Inspired by resilient women and children facing adversity, Cham uses her art to share the strength and beauty of her culture while advocating for social justice.
One of her most impactful moments came when her music provided healing to mental health patients and children in prison, offering therapeutic support and raising awareness and funds for abused women and children. “The community response strengthened my commitment to social impact,” she reflected.
As a woman in music, Cham has navigated gender bias, unequal opportunities, and pressure to conform. She stays true to her vision, supports other female artists, and pushes for greater representation. For her, International Women’s Day is a celebration of achievements and a renewed call for equality. “I use my music to amplify the voices of women and children,” she said, hoping her work continues to inspire strength, advocacy, and positive change.
Fatima Jonkong Jammeh, Chief Executive Officer of Teema Design, sees International Women’s Day as a time for reflection and recognition of women’s creativity, resilience, and leadership in often-overlooked industries. In fashion and tailoring, she believes being a woman shapes her approach—making her more detail-oriented and intentional. “Tailoring is not just about garments but empowerment,” she explained, noting how clothing influences confidence, especially for women in professional spaces.
Jammeh recalled being underestimated in a field perceived as male-dominated, particularly when securing institutional contracts. She overcame this through consistent quality delivery and professionalism, letting her results speak. Through Teema Design, she provides employment and skill-building in tailoring and embroidery, proving that female-led brands can successfully partner with major institutions and change perceptions of women’s capabilities.
While acknowledging progress, Jammeh highlighted ongoing needs for better access to funding, structured training, and institutional support. She hopes to expand production capacity, train more young women, and elevate African professional fashion on larger platforms.
As The Alkamba Times celebrates Gambian women this International Women’s Day, Ya Awa Conateh, Mariama Cham, and Fatima Jonkong Jammeh stand as powerful examples of legacy-builders—using art, music, and entrepreneurship to uplift communities, preserve culture, and open doors for future generations of Gambian women to lead with purpose and pride. Their stories remind us that true celebration lies not only in recognition but in the enduring impact women create every day.
