Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women reshaping history and inspiring future generations! Today, as we commemorate International Women’s Day 2024, it’s essential to take a moment to ponder the strides made in fostering inclusivity and empowering women, especially in the face of challenges within The Gambia.

In celebration of this significant day, I had the privilege of conversing with Fatou Juka Darboe, a trailblazer in 3D printing within The Gambia. Her insights and experiences perfectly encapsulate this year’s theme of “inspiring inclusion.”

“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Gambia encountered difficulties in accessing essential safety equipment and PPE for our healthcare workers,” shared Fatou. “In response, Make3D and our partners swiftly mobilized to manufacture face shields and other vital devices to support our frontline heroes.”

Initially facing constraints in production capacity, Fatou’s team sought a solution. “To meet the escalating demand, we collaborated with the Mbolo Association in Tujereng,” Fatou explained. “We provided rapid training to their women in 3D printing, equipped them with necessary tools, and expedited production.”

In a remarkably short timeframe, they produced over ten thousand face shields for healthcare workers across The Gambia. This experience underscores the significance of investing in women’s skill development, imparting them with technical expertise, and harnessing technology to enact substantial change within our nation.

“By integrating technology into traditionally non-tech sectors, we can streamline processes, inspire innovation, and forge grassroots partnerships to drive positive transformations,” Fatou emphasized. “Whether it’s empowering a local artisan or collaborating with software engineers, each of us has a role to play in promoting inclusivity and gender equality through collaborative endeavors.”

Fatou Juka Darboe’s journey exemplifies the power of leveraging technology and fostering collaboration to champion inclusion and gender parity. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s draw inspiration from Fatou’s remarkable story and commit ourselves to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.