By Aja Beyai
Fatou Touray, a driven Political Science major at the University of The Gambia, is campaigning for a seat in the National Youth Parliament to represent Wuli East Constituency. With a deep-rooted passion for youth empowerment, particularly among rural girls, Touray aims to amplify the voices of young people in national decision-making processes, addressing critical issues such as unemployment, limited skills training, and a lack of female representation.
Touray’s platform is built on the belief that young people, especially those in rural areas, deserve a seat at the table when policies are crafted. “Youth should be at the forefront of shaping their future,” she said, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of Wuli East’s youth. Her vision focuses on creating opportunities and fostering leadership, particularly for young women who face systemic barriers in the region.
Touray proposes decentralized opportunities, such as mobile training programs and digital literacy initiatives, to address unemployment and skill gaps. She also plans to launch youth-led media projects to equip young people with practical skills for the modern workforce. “By bringing training to rural communities, we can empower youth to build sustainable livelihoods,” she explained.
A cornerstone of her campaign is girl empowerment. Touray is dedicated to fostering safe spaces for young women through sports and creative platforms, promoting their participation in leadership roles. “Girls in Wuli East have immense potential, but they need opportunities and support to thrive,” she noted. Her plan includes mentorship programs and community initiatives aimed at boosting confidence and representation.
To ensure that youth voices are heard at the national level, Touray advocates for the establishment of youth-led structures within policymaking bodies. She envisions rural youth directly influencing national development through platforms like community dialogues, radio discussions, surveys, and focus groups. These efforts aim to gather feedback and ensure policies reflect the real needs of Wuli East’s youth.
Accountability is a key pillar of Touray’s campaign. She pledges establishing direct feedback channels, including monthly youth forums and WhatsApp groups, to provide regular updates and encourage open dialogue. By prioritizing inclusive decision-making, she aims to ensure that girls and underrepresented groups are actively involved in shaping their community’s future.
Touray’s leadership skills and commitment to inclusive development have garnered support from local youth groups, who see her as a transformative figure. “Fatou understands our struggles and has a clear plan to address them,” said one supporter from Wuli East. Her ability to connect with young people and her academic background in Political Science position her as a strong candidate to drive meaningful change.
As the National Youth Parliament elections approach, Fatou Touray stands out as a champion for the youth of Wuli East. Her vision of empowerment, equity, and opportunity could transform the future for young people in her constituency, equipping them with the tools and voice they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The post Fatou Touray Seeks to Empower Wuli East Youth in National Youth Parliament Bid appeared first on The Alkamba Times.
