Young Writer Fatou Camara Launches Book –“Her Virginity”
Fatou Camara, a young writer, has on Saturday 27th May 2023 launched her maiden book titled “Her virginity” at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center..
The event theme “Her virginity”, in association with the book title seeks to create conversations on how the virginity is used by people to suppress or shame women in their matrimonial homes, was graced by high profile figures to witness the event.
Fatou Camara, author of the novel, in her speech explains how the demise of her father opened a new door of unpleasant experiences. She said this has exposed her to premature unpleasant realities of women and girls in societies and this further stretch her interest in looking at the sufferings young girls faces.
Ms Camara said her inspiration was driven by the way her society treats it’s women. This she said, resonates with the way men in position use their influence and take advantage of the physical and financial weaknesses of women to rape and abuse them.
“My observation between men and women rekindled my passion for writing. I felt this strong urge to write a novel that would especially reflect the sexual abuse of women in our society and the irresistible push to write this novel came about when I attended a wedding that turned out utterly bad. As usual, the elderly women literally held a vigil for the bridegroom, waiting anxiously to celebrate the results of the so-called first encounter of the couple. It was basically a wait to find out if the bride was a virgin and to celebrate her virginity.” Fatou said.
Fatim Badjie, the chief executive officer of ACE communications executive highlighted the significance of the book which clearly depicts the struggles women and young girls go through.
“The book opens up conversations, it is a powerful reference and testimony for many individuals, especially young ladies in The Gambia. It has a local and cultural context that can go a long way. It also highlights the challenges of our social, cultural norms and also religious and traditions in our society.” Fatim said.
The executive director of National Youth Council (NYC) Alagie Jarju, representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, also highlighted the importance of women and girls towards national development, which he said is a clear testament of the book launch.
Mr. Jarju said, women plays critical roles in the society sighting that, they serve as caregivers and make the needed decisions. He said despite statistics not readily available, but they can comfortably say women form the majority in the farming sector, specifically in the horticulture field.
Other speakers includes Counsel Haddy Dandeh Jabbie and Fatou Saine Gaye the proprieties Gaye Njorro Skills Academy.
The book “Her Virginity” covers a wide range of issues ranging from rampant rape, prostitution, trafficking of women, abuse of vulnerable girls by so-called elites, cyber bullying among other issues.
