By Seedy Jobe
Community leaders and residents gathered on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a “Bantaba” organized by the Paradise Foundation Initiative, focusing on the intersection of economic pressures and women’s safety. The event, held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, provided a forum for women to discuss how financial hardship and economic dependence can heighten vulnerability to abuse.
Bajen Amie Jatta, a founder of the women’s support group Ask Bajen, emphasized the importance of local mediators, or “Bajens,” in addressing family conflicts and assisting women in distress. “Bajens play a critical role in mediating family issues and supporting women in distress,” she said, urging collaboration between community leaders, organizations, and women themselves to strengthen protective networks.
Fatou Faye, a gender-based violence (GBV) caseworker and trainer, encouraged women to assert their rights, maintain their dignity, and report instances of abuse. She also provided guidance on available support services, including the One Stop Centers and the National GBV Hotline.
Discussion during the event highlighted pressing community concerns, such as the troubling issue of teachers impregnating students and the communication gaps between mothers and daughters regarding sexual health. Participants called for increased awareness, proactive community engagement, and continued advocacy to safeguard women and girls in Foni and surrounding areas.
The Bantaba offered a space for women to share personal experiences, advocate for stronger protections, and reaffirm a commitment to economic empowerment and personal safety. Organizers said the event underscored the urgent need for collective action to address both financial vulnerability and gender-based violence in The Gambia.