Africa-Press – Gambia. Marie Sock, Gambia’s female presidential aspirant, has called on Gambian women to defy societal expectations and take active leadership roles in politics.
She challenges the womenfolk to become agents of change in a male-dominated political landscape of the Gambia.
Speaking as one of the panellists recently, Sock reflected on her own experience as a presidential hopeful, recounting the backlash and abuse she faced after declaring her candidacy years ago. Despite the challenges, she remained resolute in her mission.
“I accepted the role to represent the women and young people who came to my office asking me to run for president. They saw my work in other political parties and believed in me,” she said. “I knew I would face a lot of backlash. It was going to be different from what male aspirants experience. I expected insults and abuse of all kinds—but I was prepared for it.”
Sock, who leads the Alliance for Social Democrats (ASD), said the call to contest for the highest office came from a deep sense of responsibility, not ambition. She revealed that while some political parties approached her with offers to run as a vice-presidential candidate, she turned them down.
“I told them, I’m not here to be vice president. Select me to lead, and you can be the vice president,” she declared. “Sometimes, as women, we have to make those hard decisions. We need to make it clear that we are not the second best. There’s nothing men have that I—or any other woman—don’t have, and often we have even more to offer.”
Encouraging women to step forward, Sock emphasized that true change will not happen unless women themselves claim their space in leadership.
“Certain things will never change unless we take that baton, stand tall, and say: come rain or sun shine, we will contest and lead,” she said.
She also spoke about her personal and professional journey, noting that she had challenged herself in leadership roles around the world. Her message to women was clear: believe in your abilities and don’t back down.
“Every woman should say: ‘I can do this. If I stop now, I fail myself.’ That mindset is what drives success in any journey,” she concluded.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
