Hassoum Ceesay, a notable historian, has just published a book titled Gambian Women: an Introductory History, a ground breaking work on the role of women in Gambian history from 1000 years to the present.

What makes this book unique among publications on Gambian history is that it focuses on women in the annals of the country. The book explores the role of women in all aspects of the Gambia’s past – economic, political and social – and also profiles the lifetimes of some major women history makers. They are mostly ordinary women, who by virtue of perseverance and hard work were able to achieve success in their callings.

“The book,” explained the author  ‘is a pioneer work on Gambian women’s history which gives women their rightful place in the evolution of the country. It is suitable for students of history and gender studies as well.”

Among the famous Gambian women profiled in the book are Hannah Forster (page 65), the first woman to contest elections in The Gambia in the 1930s, Rosamaond Fowlis (page 81), a pioneer educationist; Louise Njie, Dr Florence Mahoney, Isatou Njie-Saidy (page 117) and many others. Other chapters explore in great detail the history of girls’ education in The Gambia since 1821 (page 44), the mini skirt in Banjul (page 59), women in Gambian politics, women’s associations in The Gambia before independence, the role of women in wars fought in The Gambia during the colonial period and much more.

The book is thoroughly researched, with end notes, a bibliography and epilogues. It is a major contribution to Gambian historiography. It is safe to call it a New History, by a young historian who has employed the tools of the historian to produce an excellent historical narrative.

In an interview with this paper Mr Ceesay explained that Gambian historians have a role to play in national development by researching on and writing the authentic Gambian history which puts Gambians at the centre of the historical events and not at the periphery. This will motivate Gambians to work harder and be patriotic. “We historians are the custodians of our nation’s memory; this is an onerous task which we must work to accomplish,” the author observed.

He thanked the management of Timbooktoo and Juka Jabang for their support and also Fodeh Baldeh, Nana Grey Johnson for sharing with him the joy of writing history. He also thanked President Jammeh for uplifting the profile of women, which was a source of inspiration.