Mrs. Gassama, Executive Director, Women’s Bureau, Under the Ministry of Women, Children and social Welfare is a seasoned development practitioner with over 15 years of experience as a Policy Expert and Public Administrator in the Gambian government. Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Gassama is responsible for mainstreaming gender in the development and policy agenda of her office. Through her extensive knowledge and understanding of the economics of development, Mrs. Gassama continues to provide strategic advice and leadership in women’s economic development through various initiatives and public programs. She also serves as a member of two important steering committees on: Gender-Based Violence and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Mrs. Gassama completed her MA in Gender Analysis in International Development at the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. She received her undergraduate degree in Management and Development Studies from the University of the Gambia. She also earned a Diploma in Development Studies (Post Graduate) from the Pan African Institute for Development, West Africa, a certificate in Gender Responsive Policy Analysis from EDIP Dakar, a certificate in Women’s Development from Taiwan and a Primary and Higher Teacher’s Certificate from The Gambia College and also certificates in Academy for Social Security and Developing Guidelines for Social Safety Nets. She serves on SolHEALTH’s Gambian Board as Vice Chairperson.