Sainabou Mbye receiving her award from Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe at the Award ceremony
By Makutu Manneh
The SAACS Empowerment Network on Saturday honoured 50 outstanding individuals from diverse fields during its “Champions of the Smiling Coast 50 Jubilee Award Celebration.”
The initiative, founded by Gambian entrepreneur and CEO of SAACS Empowerment Network, Sainabou Mbye, celebrates unsung heroes whose work continues to inspire progress and impact communities across The Gambia.
Fresh from receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree Award in Nigeria, Ms. Mbye personally presented the awards, describing the ceremony as a platform to highlight dedication, sacrifice, and contributions often overlooked.
“I know I must not meet everyone’s expectations, but that is ok. Life is not always perfect,”Ms. Mbye reflected. “But what drives me is this truth: Gambians matter, our stories matter, and our progress matters,” she noted.
She emphasized that Gambians are making remarkable contributions both at home and abroad, adding that while some trailblazers are still among us, others have passed on without the recognition they deserved.
Ms. Mbye noted that the empowerment movement began with just 10 women, which has since grown into a broader platform. “From that a greater movement was called. To our awardees, we see your sacrifice and thank you for showing up.”
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe praised Ms. Mbye for her personal growth and unwavering commitment to national development. “She deserves to be celebrated. On behalf of Gambian women, I sincerely want to say we are proud of you,” she said.
Mayor Lowe further stressed the importance of women’s empowerment in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging women to support one another and remain steadfast in advancing gender equality.