Women’s Struggles through Collective Action in The Gambia, 1950s to 1970

Abstract

Women have a long history of organizing collective action in The Gambia. This article argues that, since authorities failed to serve women’s interests, Gambian women resorted to using collective action to overcome their challenges through kafoolu and kompins [women’s grassroots organizations] operating in rural and urban areas. They shifted their efforts towards organizations that focused on social and political change. These women’s organizations grew significantly as they helped women to promote social and economic empowerment. Women cultivated political patronage with male political leaders to achieve their goals. Political leaders who needed popular support to buttress their power under the new republican government cashed in patronage. Despite their efforts in politics, there is very limited research on women’s political contribution to The Gambia, especially through activism. This paper adds much needed data to this discourse by discussing the collective action of Gambian women in their struggles to gain “voice.” Thus, this study relies on primary data from oral interviews. Secondary sources, such as academic journals, and books, provide context to the study.