Africa Chairperson Commends IWPC in Gambia, Addresses Misunderstandings

By: Dawda Baldeh

From November 26th to November 28th 2025, The Gambia hosted the 10th edition of the International Women Power Conference, chaired by US based Gambian Jainaba Drammeh, also known as Zainab Musa Darboe, an entrepreneur and philanthropist. This year’s gathering, held outside Nigeria for the first time since the conference began nine years ago, brought together remarkable women from across the African continent.

Reflecting on the event, Zainab Darboe said organising the conference was a major undertaking that came with opportunities and challenges, but she described it as a great success. She also addressed misconceptions about the event and dismissed rumours linking it to fraudulent activity. “This event is no different from the Heroes Award organised by my good friend Fatu Camara, Gambians should understand that. It’s not a scam, and people should refrain from damaging others’ reputations,” she said.

Zainab expressed her honour in hosting the conference to celebrate women in The Gambia and beyond, and while responding further to the rumours, she stressed that the event’s founder, Dr Chris Oko Odey, is a hardworking Nigerian who is simply trying to provide for his family like anyone else. “I was pleased that it was a successful event and that notable figures such as the First Lady Fatoumata Bah Barrow were in attendance,” she added.

She reiterated that dignity is a core value she will never compromise, saying, “I do not compromise my dignity, and it is something I always prioritise.” Zainab also praised the national organising committee and the country coordinators for their teamwork, noting that while there were shortcomings, they offered valuable lessons for future editions.

Emphasising that the awards were merit based and designed to recognise genuine achievement, she explained, “Awards are based on merits, which is why I instructed that anyone who fails to attend the award ceremony without a valid reason will not receive an award, even if they were nominated.” She added that attendance reflects respect for the recognition being offered, saying those who do not show up without a valid reason “do not value the award.”

She also stressed the importance of unity in achieving greater success, urging members of the IWPC to work together, ignore negative stereotypes and allow their success to speak for itself. Mrs Jammeh congratulated all award recipients for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue striving for the progress of their respective countries.

 By: Dawda Baldeh From November 26th to November 28th 2025, The Gambia hosted the 10th edition of the International Women Power Conference, chaired by US based Gambian Jainaba Drammeh, also known as Zainab Musa Darboe, an entrepreneur and philanthropist. This year’s gathering, held outside Nigeria for the first time since the conference began nine years The Fatu Network