By Fatou Krubally
Introduction: A Blueprint Forged in Community
In a political landscape where women are frequently relegated to supportive roles or symbolic positions, the story of Binta Janneh Jallow stands as a powerful testament to transformative, grassroots leadership. As Deputy Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and Councillor for Bakau New Town–Fajara Ward, Jallow’s journey is not one of privilege, but of purposeful construction. In this inaugural Women’s Affairs column, we delve beyond the headlines to explore the philosophy, strategy, and tangible impact of a leader who describes her path as “built, not inherited.” Her narrative offers a crucial blueprint for inclusive governance and challenges the very notion of where a woman’s “lane” should be.
Roots of Resilience: The Intergenerational Legacy of Leadership
Jallow’s political consciousness was not awakened in a council chamber, but in the vibrant, decisive space of her grandmother’s community work. Her grandmother, a former president of the influential Kanyeleng women’s group, provided a living counter-narrative to the idea that politics is a man’s world. “I saw it as a space where women were already leading, mobilising and deciding,” Jallow reflects. This early exposure is critical; it normalised female authority and demonstrated that community organizing—managing resources, resolving disputes, mobilising collective action—is the very essence of politics. This foundational experience propelled her into roles like secretary of the Nu De Makafu women’s group, where she honed the administrative and diplomatic skills essential for public office.
The leap from community structures to formal politics in 2016 was catalyzed by a stark observation: the absence of women on the ballot. “All the candidates were men,” she noted. “I asked myself – why not a woman? Why not us?” This question, born of both capability and exclusion, led to her 2018 electoral victory against multiple male opponents. Her win was not a fluke but a validation of a deep-seated community trust built over years of visible, practical service.
Navigating the Gendered Terrain: Systemic Barriers and Strategic Resilience
Jallow speaks with clear-eyed candor about the multifaceted challenges women leaders face, which extend far beyond campaign trails. She identifies a trifecta of constraints:
- Cultural Expectations: The persistent stereotype that questions women’s capacity to “handle” public leadership, ironically juxtaposed against the complex management they perform daily in households.
- Resource Disparity: Political participation requires time, mobility, and often personal funds—resources disproportionately scarce for women who bear the brunt of domestic and caregiving responsibilities.
- Psychological Warfare: The intimidation, insults, and condescension designed to undermine confidence. “You get insulted, talked down to, sometimes even by other women,” she states, highlighting how internalized patriarchy can also be a weapon.
Her strategy for navigating this terrain is a lesson in focused resilience: “If you stop to respond to every criticism, you won’t move.” Her advice to aspiring women leaders reframes the noise as a constant: “People will talk whether you do good or bad. So choose yourself and move.” This philosophy shifts the focus from seeking universal approval to maintaining unwavering commitment to one’s purpose and constituents.
The Proof is in the Project: A Portfolio of Tangible Impact
For Jallow, leadership legitimacy is earned through demonstrable results. Her tenure is marked by a portfolio of initiatives that strategically address economic empowerment, infrastructure, and governance. These are not scattered gifts, but interconnected investments in community capital:
- Human Capital Development: Skills training at the British Salon School and technical training at GTTI for 25 youths directly combat unemployment with marketable skills.
- Economic Catalysts: Start-up grants of D45,000 each for 10 young entrepreneurs provide the critical seed funding often inaccessible through traditional banks.
- Agricultural Empowerment: The D10 million women’s garden project, complete with storage and cold chain facilities (funded via LDS Nigeria), is a masterclass in addressing the entire agricultural value chain for women farmers—from production to preservation to market access.
- Foundational Infrastructure: The borehole for the New Town market and road rehabilitation solve practical, daily hurdles for commerce and community life.
This record of delivery has arguably paved the way for more women at KMC, with elected female councillors increasing from one to four during her time, plus three nominated members. She demonstrates that effective governance by women creates a compelling case for more representation.
Structuring for Sustainability: Decentralization in Action
Perhaps Jallow’s most insightful contribution is her emphasis on strengthening systemic structures over personal patronage. Her work to revitalize Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and sub-ward structures is a deliberate move to institutionalize community participation. “For decentralisation to be meaningful, people must feel involved in the structures that serve them,” she explains. This approach builds lasting civic capacity and ensures development is demand-driven, not top-down, creating a legacy of engagement that will outlast any single leader.
The Personal Calculus: Sacrifice, Support, and Succession
Jallow openly acknowledges the relentless balancing act between public service, family, and personal life. “Sometimes it’s not easy,” she admits, highlighting the invisible labor that sustains a public figure. Her decision that this is her final term as councillor is strategically significant. It reflects a mature leadership philosophy focused on succession and creating space for other women—a move that counters the “gatekeeper” model often seen in politics. Yet, her quiet confidence in hinting at a parliamentary bid (“Maybe Parliament”) shows her commitment is not waning, but evolving toward a broader platform.
Conclusion: A Call to Recognize the Architects
Binta Janneh Jallow’s final appeal cuts to the core of the gender equality debate: “Gender equality can’t be achieved when women are only allowed to be deputies. We are capable of leading. Society must give us the chance.” Her story transcends individual achievement. It provides a replicable model: root leadership in community knowledge, measure it by tangible outcomes, build resilient systems, and prepare the ground for those who follow. She embodies the truth that women are not merely participants in national progress, but its essential architects, designing a more inclusive and effective future from the ground up. Her journey from her grandmother’s side to the deputy mayor’s office is a powerful reminder that the most sustainable leadership is often built, one community project and one broken barrier at a time.
This article expands upon an original report. Full credit and our thanks go to the original source at Voice Gambia. We encourage readers to seek out the original piece for further insight.