By Fatou Dahaba
Two of The Gambia’s female journalists, Isatou Ceesay and Nyima Sillah, have brought international acclaim to their country by securing prestigious awards from the Merck Foundation. The announcement came during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, part of the foundation’s annual media recognition program celebrating journalism that advances health, gender equality, and social justice.
Isatou Ceesay clinched third place in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) reporting category under the Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards. Her compelling storytelling and tireless advocacy for women’s and girls’ rights set her apart among global contenders. “This award means so much to me,” Ceesay said in an exclusive interview. “It’s not just a recognition of my work but a reminder of the responsibility I carry to keep advocating for the voiceless. It’s a task, not just a trophy, and it pushes me to work even harder.”
Ceesay, an award-winning journalist, urged young female journalists to pursue impactful stories that ignite change and amplify marginalized voices. Her latest accolade adds to a growing list of honors, including the 2022 Travel and Tourism Reporting Award from the Gambia Press Union National Journalism Awards.
Meanwhile, Nyima Sillah secured second place in the online GBV reporting category of the same “More Than a Mother” initiative. A News Editor at The Voice Newspaper, Sillah’s powerful narratives have earned her a spot on the global stage. “I am absolutely grateful and deeply honored for this recognition,” she told this outlet. “It feels amazing to have your work stand out in a global space. I couldn’t be more grateful than this.” She credited her media house for providing a platform to address critical societal issues.
Sillah, a multiple award-winning journalist, encouraged young female reporters to trust their potential. She emphasized the importance of accurate and fearless storytelling. “Your stories can shape the future,” she said.
The Merck Foundation, founded in 2017 by Merck KGaA Germany, collaborates with First Ladies and government ministries across Africa and Asia to enhance healthcare capacity and tackle pressing social challenges. The official award presentation for Ceesay and Sillah is slated for October at the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Conference in The Gambia, hosted with the participation of First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, a key ambassador for the foundation’s initiatives.
