By Aji Fatou Jammeh
On Friday, March 8th The Gambia joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day 2024, with the theme ‘Invest in women:, Accelerate Progress’.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
As a reflection on the significance of the day, The Gambia Daily put a spotlight on one Amie Sallah, a hardworking resilient mother of several children, and an entrepreneur engaged in operating a milling machine at Kunkujang.
In this interview, Madam Sallah shared her love and passion in operating a milling machine. She said she was motivated by her husband, who is also a milling machine operator at Talinding. He bought her the machine.
Mrs Amie noted that the profit gained from her work is ploughed back into the family, to pay the children’s school fees, as well as provide livelihood for the family.
Speaking about her work, which is regarded as a male-dominated area, Madam Sallah wondered why not many women venture into the business. She argued that there is no job meant for men that is not for women.
“It is just some stereotype; women should follow their passion,” she said, adding that operating a milling machine is profitable.
Sallah said she adores and appreciates her work because it does not stop her from doing her household chores. “I have my milling machine at home when customers come I leave whatever I am doing, serve them and go back to my work”, she sated.
She called on government and philanthropists to support her with more machines to be able to expand the business, as well as create employment for other young people who want to engross in this business.
