Mrs. Juka Jabang, a trailblazing figure in The Gambia’s civil service, has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GWCC). The award recognizes her nearly 40 years of public service, marked by her commitment to integrity, resilience, and national development.
During the ceremony at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre, Mrs. Jabang delivered a moving acceptance speech, reflecting on her journey in the male-dominated Gambian civil service, which she joined in 1976. She emphasized that true service is not measured by titles or years in office, but by the integrity upheld, lives touched, and institutions strengthened for future generations.
Mrs. Jabang dedicated the honor to the generation of Gambian women who broke barriers and challenged norms before independence. She credited her late parents for giving her the gift of education and acknowledged the many Gambian women who shaped her work in administration, policy development, and research. She noted that empowering women uplifts entire nations and encouraged young women entering the civil service to step forward with confidence and purpose.
The award is a testament to Mrs. Jabang’s tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment and her contributions to The Gambia’s development. She expressed gratitude to her family and the Gambian people, describing service to the nation as “the honor of my life.” Mrs. Jabang reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, stating that it is a lifelong mission.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, UN officials, colleagues, family, and friends, who celebrated Mrs. Jabang’s decades-long legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service. The event highlighted the significance of recognizing and empowering women’s contributions to national development, as The Gambia continues to move forward in promoting gender equality and inclusivity. With her award, Mrs. Jabang’s dedication to the cause serves as an inspiration to future generations of women leaders in The Gambia and beyond.
