A Woman King Among Men: The Empowering Journey of Fatoumatta Jammeh, a Leading Female Auto-Mechanic.
By: Abddallah Khabib Jallow
In the traditionally male-dominated field of automotive services, Fatoumatta Jammeh stands as a beacon of inspiration and change. As the CEO of The Gambia Female Automotive Service Providers (FASP), she has not only broken gender barriers but has also become a trailblazer in empowering women in a sector where they are often underrepresented.
Fatoumatta’s journey began after completing her senior secondary school in 2009 when she joined Riders for Health as a trainee apprentice in the vehicle management and mechanical unit. Eight years of dedicated training on the workshop floor paved the way for her admission to the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in 2015. Her pursuit of a diploma in auto-mechanics culminated in her graduation in 2019.
Following the completion of her diploma program, Fatoumatta took a bold step by initiating and successfully facilitating the establishment of the first female automotive garage under FASP. Since then, she has served as the CEO, setting a commendable track record in advocating, promoting, and actualizing the training of young women in the automotive industry.
In 2022, FASP organized a noteworthy free maintenance and servicing program for various government institutions, a program that not only showcased their skills but also garnered recognition from credible international and media outlets, including DWTV, BBC, GRTS, and QTV. Fatoumatta’s dedication and achievements led to her being awarded the JAMBARR of the year by QTV and named JAMBARR of the year 2022 by Gambia Talent.
Active participation in the formulation of the national employment policy for 2022/23 showcased FASP’s commitment to influencing positive change at a policy level. To date, FASP has successfully serviced and maintained over seventy-five vehicles from both the public and private sectors.
Fatoumatta’s vision extends beyond the success of FASP. She urges the government, private sector, gender and women empowerment agencies, and individuals to join hands in building the capacities of women in technical and vocational professions. With over 60% of the productive population being women, she emphasizes the need for collective efforts to empower and equip them with skills that will contribute to the nation’s sustainable development.
The goal is clear – to transform FASP’s workshop into a modern, state-of-the-art facility capable of delivering quality services and providing training for prospective female auto mechanics. Fatoumatta Jammeh’s journey is not just a personal success story; it’s a testament to the transformative power of breaking gender norms and championing the cause of women in unconventional fields, making her a true woman king in a realm traditionally dominated by men.
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