By Musa O Bah and Sainabou Sanneh
Fatoumatta Jammeh, a Female automotive mechanic, said skill Acquisition should be everyone’s imperative.
Speaking to this medium, Fatoumatta said skill work has always been part of her dream which motivated her to challenge herself that what a man can do a woman can do it.
She postulated that the Gambia is lacking skills, especially being a lady to get empowered and venture into skilled work is always a challenge.
“The females that I have on the ground are very determined and ready to work so I always tell them to have passion for the job, believe in them, and let them not listen to those who want to discourage them. During my days at GTTI, we had nine girls learning the skill but later on, I was the only one who was able to survive in the industry because I do not listen to people.”
She outlined some of the challenges females face in the industry such as discrimination, lack of customers, and confidence in their service.
“Some of the females outside do not believe that what a man can do a woman can also do as many people think women can only be housewives. So, they prefer giving their cars to men rather than bringing them to us,” she observed.
She told this medium that she is offering free training for those who are interested in the field.
She appealed to her fellow women to come in and support her as her institution is committed to set standards despite the only garage being managed by a female.