Banjul Mayor Malick-Lowe Rallies Gambian Women for Empowered Voting, Leadership

Rohey Malick-Lowe, has called on Gambian women to treat women’s issues not just as concerns, but as a “CALL TO ACTION.” Her statement comes on the heels of her participation in a prestigious leadership program in Morocco.

“Women issues should be taken seriously and considered as a CALL TO ACTION,” Mayor Lowe declared, addressing Gambian women directly in an open letter.

The Mayor had just concluded a three-day intensive engagement with the Amujae Leadership Initiative Forum, held alongside the Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Marrakech, Morocco. The program was spearheaded by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia (2006–2018) and Africa’s first elected female head of state.

“Sirleaf was the first elected female head of state in Africa who devoted her life in empowering African women in leadership positions, the reason why 13 African women including my humble self are gathered here in Marrakech, Morocco to lift each other up,” Mayor Lowe explained.

Inspired by the forum’s message of sisterhood and solidarity, Mayor Lowe announced a renewed commitment to civic education among Gambian women, with a focus on voting awareness and political participation.

“To complement the efforts of the sisterhood, I pledged starting to sensitize and to advise women on how to vote wisely during an election, be it national or local,” she wrote.

Addressing women directly, she urged them to prioritize informed decision-making: “Dear fellow women, before anything, I will first and foremost firmly encourage you to please make Informed Decisions based on your values, integrity, priorities, and the issues that affect your lives.”

She offered key advice to help women evaluate candidates meaningfully:
“First, understand the key issues affecting your (our) lives, such as healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and women’s rights.”

Mayor Lowe emphasized the importance of examining each candidate’s stance on crucial matters: “What does this mean to US AS WOMEN? Know the Candidate, his/her platform and policies on issues that matter to them. Do the candidate support policies that promote women’s rights, such as reproductive rights, protection from violence, and women Economic Empowerment such as access to education, job training, and entrepreneurship opportunities?”

“By following these tips, we as women can exercise our right to vote wisely and make a meaningful impact on the electoral process. Please read with your mind and not your heart.”

Mayor Lowe concluded her statement by reaffirming her lifelong commitment to women’s empowerment: “I am a staunch supporter of women empowerment, and I believe I will not make justice to my fellow women if I don’t come forward and share my views and honest opinion. We can debate constructively to path the way forward.”

Her message has since been widely shared across Gambian social media spaces, resonating with many who see her as a rising voice in the fight for gender equality and political education.