By: Alieu Ceesay
To bring attention to the harsh realities faced by widows in Gambian societies and the tragic consequences of irregular migration, Ebrima Demba Jang, known by his pen name Da Factualist, is set to launch his debut book, “The Widow Next Door.”
Inspired by the poignant stories of individuals grappling with the loss of loved ones through irregular migration, Da Factualist aims to shed light on the hardships experienced by widows in Gambian communities. The novel explores themes of love, loss, societal expectations, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Speaking to TAT, Da Factualist, a fourth-year development studies student at the University of The Gambia, emphasized the influence of his academic background on the book’s exploration of social issues. His studies have deepened his understanding of topics such as gender-based violence, irregular migration, and the societal impact on individuals.
“The Widow Next Door” “Narrates the compelling story of Amina, a resilient widow in Jarra Jiffin, Gambia. Amina faces unimaginable hardships after losing her husband through irregular migration, delving into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.”
Acknowledging the challenges students face in securing sponsors, Ebrima shared his strategies for overcoming these obstacles. “I employed several strategies, including creating a detailed concept note highlighting the significance of the book launch event, its objectives, target audience, and potential benefits for sponsors. I am contacting organizations and individuals for support, but responses are yet to be received.”
Ebrima believes his novel can contribute to ongoing literary conversations by addressing the often-overlooked issues of gender-based violence against women and irregular migration. The book aims to spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire empathy among readers.
To students aspiring to embark on creative projects, especially those facing sponsorship challenges, Ebrima offers this advice: “Believe in the value and importance of your ideas. Have confidence in yourself and make it happen. The biggest challenge you will confront is securing financial support, as only a few Gambians are willing to invest in writing.”
In a concluding call, Ebrima invites individuals and organizations to sponsor and support the initiative, emphasizing the book’s potential to end irregular migration and gender-based violence in The Gambia.
