Tambajang Accuses Barrow of Politicising EU Women’s Funds

Written by: Alieu Jallow

Former Gambian Vice President Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang has accused President Adama Barrow of politicising European Union funds meant for women’s economic empowerment, claiming the support is being channelled to supporters of the ruling National People’s Party.

Speaking at a REFELA national conference in Banjul, Tambajang said: “The provision for economic empowerment was given through the European Union, and the objective while I was in office was to ensure every Gambian woman benefits from those funds, but today I see the fund is only for National People’s Party women. That is not right. The fund is for every Gambian woman from Banjul to Koina so that women can have the power to access and control resources.”

She also criticised slow progress on women’s political representation, noting that the National Assembly has only five women out of 58 members and just three female cabinet ministers. “This is not what we fought for. We fought for equal representation,” she said.

Tambajang expressed concern over delays in constitutional reforms aimed at guaranteeing at least 40% representation for women in decision making positions, questioning the political will to advance women’s empowerment.

Calling on Gambian women to unite and challenge inequality, she urged them to take a stronger role in shaping the country’s future. Tambajang, who has signalled her intention to contest the December 2026 presidential election, described women as potential “kingmakers” in national politics.