By: The Fatu Network News Desk
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, maintains that the growing presence of women in leadership roles within his Ministry is the result of a deliberate and long term effort to correct what he described as a longstanding male dominance in both the National Youth Council and the Ministry itself.
In a statement delivered on Friday November 14th, during the inauguration of the 14th Council of the National Youth Council, Hon. Badjie informed members that the decision to elevate women into key positions was based on merit, commitment and proven dedication to national development. He explained that while the women were chosen “due to their competence, perseverance and demonstrated commitment to issues of youths and general development of The Gambia,” the move was also guided by a clear intention to open space for female leadership.
According to Badjie, the transition from a female outgoing chairperson appointed in 2023 to a female incoming chairperson, alongside the appointment of a young female representative, was intentional. “I emphasised to the new Chairperson and other female members of the Council that they are elected and appointed due to their competence,” he remarked, adding that the decision was supported by senior staff who shared the wish to shift the gender imbalance.
He recalled that when he first became Minister, the Ministry’s leadership team was entirely male. “I used to bleat about the Ministry’s being one hundred percent led by gentlemen,” he recounted. “I used to provoke them anytime I have the opportunity to, that if anyone moves on or loses his position, he will be replaced by a female.”
He stressed that this was never a joke, since he had already set his mind on appointing “strong, qualified, committed and innovative women” who could help steer youth empowerment and sport development. He added that women make up fifty two percent of the population and must therefore take part in project inspections, write reports, sit at meeting tables and contribute to decisions. In his words, “they should sit around the table in meeting rooms, not to serve tea but to debate and be part of the decision making.”
The Minister noted that the shift has already happened in a visible way, explaining that the leadership landscape has changed significantly since 2021. “From zero female in the leadership of the Ministry in 2021 to five in 2025,” he observed, describing the progress as a move forward represented by a female Permanent Secretary, a female General Manager, two female Deputy Directors and a female Council Chairperson.
He insisted that this was not symbolism but a genuine belief shaped by his early work in child and women’s rights. “It is not tokenism,” he affirmed. “It is a belief that I have based on my orientation ten years ago as Program Officer of Child Protection Alliance.”
He shared how mentorship from “strong women and men who stand for women’s rights and their empowerment” expanded his understanding of gender equality and gender mainstreaming. He noted that his involvement in both national and continental working groups deepened this commitment further. The Minister also recalled the 2018 mayoral race, describing how his campaign team was chaired by a young woman who “demonstrated exemplary leadership” even as she guided a team made up mostly of older men.
He emphasised that the women appointed in recent years have already proven themselves through their performance, and the Ministry sees no reason to doubt the new leaders stepping in. He described these values as ones he cherishes and intends to uphold “be it in public or private office.”
Ending his message with encouragement to younger generations, he called on Gambian women to push forward despite social barriers. “So to all the young women out there, no matter our patriarchal setups and societal barriers, be bold, be strong, come forward, and be ready to serve your community and country,” he urged.
By: The Fatu Network News Desk The Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, maintains that the growing presence of women in leadership roles within his Ministry is the result of a deliberate and long term effort to correct what he described as a longstanding male dominance in both the National Youth Council and The Fatu Network
