By Haddy Touray
In a significant milestone for gender representation in fiscal policy and governance, Mrs. Mariama Jobe has become the first female Gambian to serve as Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), The Gambia Chapter.
A seasoned tax professional with more than a decade of experience at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mrs. Jobe shared her vision for the newly established chapter during an exclusive interview at her office in Kanifing.
Currently serving as a Senior Tax Officer at GRA, Mrs. Jobe explained that SWIT Gambia was founded to serve as an umbrella body that amplifies women’s voices in taxation and fiscal governance. The society, she says, seeks to strengthen women’s contributions to tax policy development, enhance their recognition in the field, and build their capacity for leadership.
She revealed that the slogan for SWIT Gambia is “Women Talking and Paying Tax,” adding that the organization is part of a regional network spread across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, and Liberia. All member chapters, she explained, are registered under the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) as SWITWA.
Mrs. Jobe emphasized that SWIT plays a vital role in promoting the socio-economic development of women, protecting their rights and interests within the profession, and fostering continuous education and intellectual growth among members. The society also aims to highlight the achievements of women in taxation and initiate projects that raise their professional visibility and influence.
Outlining the group’s upcoming activities, Mrs. Jobe said that SWIT Gambia will focus on promoting tax clubs in schools, educating women in business on tax laws, regulations and obligations, and conducting public awareness campaigns in markets and other business areas. The society also intends to engage the relevant authorities and ministries to address challenges and constraints affecting women in taxation.
She further stated that one of their key goals is to ensure that women have a better understanding of tax laws to promote compliance and good governance. The society also seeks to empower women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses and strengthen their participation in the national economy.
The Gambia Chapter of SWIT was inaugurated in September 2025 and brings together professionals from various fields, including taxation, law, accounting, and finance. Membership is open to women working in or associated with the taxation fraternity upon payment of a subscription fee determined by the National Executive Committee.
Mrs. Jobe expressed her appreciation to the leadership of the GRA for their strong support and encouragement during the establishment of the chapter, noting their instrumental role in making the initiative a reality.
She concluded by calling on women across the country to join the initiative and contribute to its goals, saying that together, women can empower themselves with the knowledge of taxation and play an active role in shaping the country’s fiscal policies.
The post First Chairperson of Tax Body Speaks on Women and Taxation appeared first on .
By Haddy Touray In a significant milestone for gender representation in fiscal policy and governance, Mrs. Mariama Jobe has become…
The post First Chairperson of Tax Body Speaks on Women and Taxation appeared first on .