PUBLICATIONS

Currently, women and girls in The Gambia are taking robust action to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) nationwide. This piece draws attention to the pivotal work of two women, Ramatoulie Jallow, a public health consultant, and Mam Yassin Sarr, founder of Starfish International, a non-profit organisation that focuses on leadership and education for girls. It will address the importance of inclusivity and civic participation of women and girls in fighting the global pandemic. Moreover, this paper sheds light on local efforts by Ramatoulie and Mam Yassin as they mitigate the spread of the pandemic by considering the socio-economic and cultural implications of their work at local and community levels.

COVID-19 presents a substantial threat to Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. Heavily reliant on an unstable resource market for its revenue, the Nigerian government faces growing unrest and fiscal difficulty as unemployment rates surge amongst its predominantly youthful population. COVID-19 may mark a crossroads in Nigeria, wherein redirection from the legacies of oil and the colonial era can allow the state to realise the potential of its population, the majority of whom are under 25.