The challenges and daily experiences of women in The Gambia are often interconnected across different communities, with the stigmatization of women with disabilities standing out.  According to the UN Flagship Report on Persons Living with Disabilities, women with disabilities face a dual layer of discrimination both for their gender and their disability. This double disadvantage severely impacts their access to education, employment, information, and leadership opportunities.

Adama Jallow, a 55-year-old lady with a disability and an adviser to the Serekunda Women’s Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, participated in a three-day training organized by UNDP The Gambia in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare and Maa Foundation, a local civil society organization (CSO). This programme aimed to empower aspiring female politicians, foster mentorship relationships, and provide hands on guidance from experienced leaders. With a focus on practical skills, leadership exercises, and mock scenarios, the initiative equipped participants with the confidence and expertise needed to drive positive change within their communities.

For Adama, many women from her community rely on trade and small businesses for livelihood. However, she and her peers have faced significant challenges in pursuing these economic opportunities due to their disabilities. She stated that "people often underestimate our abilities;" "landlords tell us they cannot rent out their shops to people like us, and taxi drivers will often refuse to pick us up, claiming we are too slow" she added.

The recent training represents a significant stride towards inclusivity and empowerment in The Gambia, challenging stereotypes and fostering a more equitable society. Adama envisions a future where women with disabilities in The Gambia will be engaged and fully included in decision making and economic activities. "Every day is worth living and I now feel prepared to advocate for change in my community” she affirmed, highlighting her commitment to support other women with disabilities.

Inspired by the training, Adama plans to apply a step-down approach by mentoring others and ensuring that women with disabilities in her community see themselves as ambassadors of change. "We are not defined or limited by our disabilities" she said. Her story is a reminder that true societal integration and leadership and empowerment are only possible when the voices of the marginalized are heard, celebrated and valued. "Living with a disability should not diminish our potential for leadership," she emphasized.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, UNDP, and Maa Foundation has brought new hope to women like Adama. "We deserve equal opportunities", she declared, urging policymakers to prioritize inclusive infrastructure, invest in small-scale businesses, and create leadership opportunities for women. According to her, these actions are crucial to fostering a more inclusive society where women with disabilities can thrive, realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and by extension the society.