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Remarkable Interviews with Women Leaders 2025

My Magazine 2025/12
10 min
PEOPLE
As the year draws to an end, we are bringing together the inspiring interviews we shared throughout 2025 — powerful conversations with women who are shaping communities, industries and the future of The Gambia. Through their stories and remarkable journeys, these women remind us of the strength, resilience and vision that drive progress in our country. Join us as we revisit their voices, celebrate their achievements and highlight the impact they continue to make every day.

Doreen Dia is the founder of the iPromise Learning & Development Centre — the first and only private school in The Gambia fully dedicated to children aged 2 to 17 with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Her work is changing how education and support are delivered in the country: iPromise provides tailored learning, emotional care, and safe spaces for children often marginalized by traditional schooling.

In her interview, she opens up about the challenges of creating iPromise, the passion driving her mission, and the importance of inclusive education rooted in understanding, patience, and empathy.

Doreen’s commitment and vision are inspiring — dedicating resources and heart to give every child the chance they deserve.

Watch her full interview to hear her story.

I Promise Care Services

iPROMISE Learning and Development Center is a pioneering facility dedicated to providing quality care and support to both adults and children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Founded by Doreen Dia, a passionate occupational therapist, the center is committed to offering...

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Hayat Blell leads the hospitality scene in The Gambia as General Manager of Sunset Beach Hotel and co-owner of popular local spots like 3Chicks & a Grill and Paradise Beach Club.

She also serves as the Honorary Consul of Malaysia in The Gambia, further expanding her role in international relations and national representation.

As Chairwoman of Gambia Hotel Association, she is shaping the future of Gambian tourism by advocating quality, innovation, and authentic guest experiences for the entire hospitality sector.

Her vision goes beyond “sun and sea” tourism — she champions curated stays, creative gastronomy, and cultural authenticity to offer travellers something real, refined, and uniquely Gambian.

Watch Hayat’s full interview to see how she’s helping transform tourism in The Gambia.

Sunset Beach Hotel

Sunset Beach Hotel offers a serene beachfront escape nestled between the beach and Kotu Stream. With lush gardens, two pools, and stunning sun terraces overlooking the ocean, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Gambian sunshine. The hotel...

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3Chicks & A Grill

3chicks and a grill is where funk meets flavor—a vibrant, funky-style lounge and restaurant owned by three dynamic women who have been redefining dining in The Gambia since 2015. Located just across from the iconic Senegambia Beach Hotel, it’s a...

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Paradise Beach Club

Paradise Beach Club offers an exquisite escape along the stunning sandy shores of Kotu. With an Afro-Bohemian flair, this luxury beach club is the perfect fusion of comfort and style, where the warmth of the local culture meets the elegance...

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Honorary Malaysian Consulate in The Gambia 

The Honorary Consulate of Malaysia in The Gambia, under the representation of Honorary Consul Hayat Blell, provides vital assistance and services to Malaysian citizens. It also plays a key role in enhancing trade partnerships and promoting cultural exchanges, fostering closer...

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Jasmine Bensouda leads Playa del Sol, continuing her family’s legacy in Gambian hospitality as a fourth-generation entrepreneur.

She has transformed the beachfront restaurant into a place where tradition meets innovation — offering mindful dining, creativity and heartfelt hospitality.

Her approach to leadership is deeply rooted in authenticity and emotional intelligence, creating an environment where both guests and staff feel valued. She believes that true hospitality goes beyond service; it is about connection, intention and making people feel seen.

For Jasmine, every detail at Playa del Sol tells a story — from the menu to the atmosphere — reflecting her passion for meaningful, guest-centred experiences.

Watch Jasmine’s full interview to hear how her family heritage and personal vision continue to shape Playa del Sol and the future of Gambian hospitality.

Playa Del Sol

Located at the tranquil end of Kotu Beach, Playa del Sol offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exceptional dining. Known for its Mediterranean and Continental cuisine with hints of Italian and Asian flavors, the menu features fresh seafood, meats,...

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Maryam Sherif moved to The Gambia with a bold vision — to redefine beauty and wellness in the country. Through Mirrored, she introduced modern technology, top-quality products and wide-ranging services, all delivered with a standard of care previously unseen.

Mirrored, which officially opened in May 2024, spans four floors and offers everything from hair styling, manicures and spa treatments to massages, makeup, brow/eyelash services, retail cosmetics and even a mini café — creating a full wellness-and-lifestyle destination.

Her journey reflects determination, innovation and a commitment to elevating standards in beauty and self-care. Maryam Sherif’s story proves that with vision and dedication, one can transform industries while inspiring many.

Watch Maryam’s full interview to learn more about her inspiring journey and how Mirrored is shaping the wellness scene in The Gambia.

Private: Mirrored 

The Ultimate Full-Body Beauty Haven.Mirrored is a luxurious, full-service beauty and wellness destination that offers a wide range of services in a multi-level setting. From professional aesthetics and wellness services to high-end beauty retail, Mirrored has it all. With spa,...

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Dr Sona Jobarteh is celebrated globally as the first female professional kora virtuoso from a West African griot family — a role traditionally passed only from father to son.

In her interview with My Gambia, she reflects on her journey growing up between The Gambia and the UK, the early lessons from her family, and how she chose to follow her path with intention and dedication.

More than a musician, Sona is a visionary. She founded The Gambia Academy — not a music school, but an institution that centers African identity, language, and culture in education. Her mission is to help reshape how young Gambians view themselves and their heritage.

Her music bridges tradition and modernity: blending ancestral Mandé melodies with contemporary influences, reaching audiences worldwide and elevating Gambian culture on the global stage.

Watch Sona’s full interview to discover how her art, activism and vision continue to redefine music and education for future generations.

The Gambia Academy

The Junior Department of the Academy, founded in 2015, operates as a pilot program with 36 students, preparing for its future expansion to accommodate up to 300 junior and senior students. Currently located in a temporary space near the main...

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