Raise the Young Foundation Hosts Girls’ Summer Bantaba

By Raise the Young Foundation,

On Tuesday, 28 July 2026, the Raise the Young Foundation successfully launched the maiden edition of the Girls Summer Bantaba at the Kanifing Municipal Library. The event marked the beginning of a transformative journey designed to empower young women with leadership skills, knowledge, confidence, and the tools needed to become active agents of change in their communities. The launching ceremony brought together distinguished guests, development practitioners, human rights advocates, and enthusiastic young women who gathered with a shared commitment to advancing gender equality and youth leadership in The Gambia.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr. Yankuba Keita the Executive Director and Founder, who introduced the vision behind the Girls Summer Bantaba. Participants were informed that the initiative seeks to create a safe learning environment where young women can strengthen their leadership abilities, deepen their understanding of human rights, build meaningful networks, and gain practical life skills that will support their personal and professional development.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Fallu Sowe National Coordinator Network Aganist Gender-Base Violence, who inspired participants by highlighting the important role young people play in the development of any nation. He emphasized that The Gambia's progress depends largely on a generation of young people who are willing to serve, make sacrifices, and contribute positively to national development. He described the Girls Summer Bantaba as a stepping stone that would equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and wisdom required to become future leaders.

Mr. Sowe stressed that leadership begins with individuals taking responsibility within their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. He encouraged every participant to see herself as a leader capable of influencing positive change. He also addressed the realities facing women and girls in The Gambia, noting that many remain vulnerable due to gender inequality, harmful social norms, and weak protection systems. He spoke extensively on sexual and gender-based violence, urging participants to understand their rights, recognize different forms of abuse, reject the culture of silence, and confidently report cases of violence through the appropriate institutions and national reporting mechanisms. He reminded the young women that education, informed decision-making, and courage are essential tools for protecting themselves and empowering others.

Following the keynote address, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Jainaba Johm, Vice Chair National Human Rights Commission - The Gambia, delivered an inspiring presentation that resonated deeply with the audience. Drawing from her own life experiences, she encouraged participants to appreciate the opportunity they had been given, reminding them that many girls across the country continue to face challenges such as child marriage, school dropout, abuse, and limited educational opportunities.

Hon. Johm underscored the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning, and developing a strong reading culture. She encouraged the participants to pursue careers based on their passions rather than societal expectations or peer influence. She also challenged them to believe in their abilities, confidently occupy leadership spaces, and never allow gender stereotypes to limit their ambitions.

In her address, she highlighted several legal and policy frameworks that protect the rights of women and girls in The Gambia, including constitutional guarantees of equality, the Women's Amendment Act criminalizing female genital mutilation, the National Gender Policy, the Children's Act, and international human rights conventions. She reminded participants that understanding these laws empowers women to advocate for themselves and others while promoting accountability within society.

A significant part of her message focused on balancing rights with responsibilities. She encouraged participants to remain focused on their educational and career aspirations, reminding them that marriage should never define a woman's worth or become an obstacle to achieving her dreams. She urged the young women to remain resilient, pursue excellence, and use their knowledge and experiences to uplift other girls within their communities.

Throughout the ceremony, the moderator reinforced the day's key messages by encouraging participants to build confidence, embrace leadership opportunities, and actively challenge societal barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential. Participants were reminded that lasting change begins with individual action and that every young woman has the power to influence positive transformation within her family, school, and community.

During the closing session, Sainaba Touray a participant delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the group, expressing sincere appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer of Raise the Young Foundation, Mr. Yankuba Keita, the guest speakers, organizers, facilitators, and everyone who contributed to the successful launch of the programme. She acknowledged the Foundation's commitment to investing in young women and creating opportunities that inspire confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

The ceremony concluded with the official declaration of the Girls Summer Bantaba as open. Before the event came to an end, all participants stood together to recite a leadership pledge, committing themselves to becoming responsible leaders wherever they find themselves—at home, in school, in their communities, and in their future workplaces. They pledged to contribute towards promoting gender equality, inspiring positive change, and serving as role models for other young women.

The launch concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation to the Guest of Honour, expressions of gratitude from the organizers, networking among participants and guests, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

Overall, the Raise the Young Foundation Girls Summer Bantaba Launching Ceremony was a remarkable success. Held at the Kanifing Municipal Library on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, the event provided participants with inspiration, practical knowledge, and renewed confidence to pursue their ambitions while becoming advocates for gender equality, human rights, and transformational leadership. The ceremony successfully laid a strong foundation for the Summer Bantaba programme and reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to nurturing a generation of informed, empowered, and resilient young women who will contribute meaningfully to the development of The Gambia.