Cultural African Norms limiting women and girls

The Gambia norm and culture Vis-à-vis women and girls matriarchal/patriarchal Society

​Opinion Piece by The Late Rev. Dr. John Loum

​Let me be clear, conceptually, nature has it understandably that women and men are equal in every way shape, or form. Sadly, in Gambia's patriarchal society the trend has been and continued with women and girls' roles has been structurally at home and society largely defined by men. Given that, the men who are the dominant power player, functionally codified the trend, on how women/girls were to operate. At home domestically, also matrimonially as in society extending to their workplaces [ office], etc. For example, I grew up in Gambia where women and girls were not given equal opportunities as boys in gaining any education, unfairly the boys would be in the streets enjoying leisurely their time playing football, and building networks of friendships and groups, in Banjul area boys would go for swinging around the beach or playing at McCarthy square.

McCarthy Square is a mini-stadium in Banjul, The Gambia's capital city. Photo credit: Access Gambia

Cultural Barriers Limiting Women and Girls

​The barrier of institutionalizing Gambian women and girls as second class or socialize domesticated spices who are to be seen as unequaled equal is dismally incrementally changing much still needs to be done. As a trend or norm must be long past gone. All forms of these institutionalized patterns of cultural norms have fizzled out gradually or obliterated.

Solutions for Women and Girls’ Inclusion

Then as we are developing strategies towards remedies and solutions, first global modernity will force on our women, or they will be left in the wind. Second women should have in place a constructive structure on the grass-root level in empowering and creating gender awareness. Along with that the goal should be re-educating and defusing much of the old ways, including cultural norms which could either be a stumbling block or an inhibition in the way of women's dignity, equal acceptance, and gender fair treatment in all spheres of human space and life.    

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Author: The Late Rev. Dr. John Loum

Rev Dr. Loum was born and raised in The Gambia. He was a scholar and theologist with a keen interest in religion cohesion. Dr. Loum  initiated​ social causes to uplift and serve his country, The Gambia.
In loving memory, Rev. Dr. John Samuel Loum: March 18, 1948 - October 26, 2022.