Gambia Organization Of The Visually Impaired - GOVI

12/05/2026

GOVI Engages in Strategic Consultation with Peace Ambassadors The Gambia

Earlier today, the Youth and Women’s Wing of GOVI held a fruitful consultation meeting with Peace Ambassadors-The Gambia. The discussion focused on strengthening partnership opportunities and exploring areas of collaboration between the two organizations.

The meeting provided a valuable platform to share ideas, identify potential joint initiatives, and discuss ways to work together in promoting peace, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and community development.

GOVI remains committed to building meaningful partnerships that support our mission of empowering visually impaired people and contributing to a more inclusive and peaceful society.

We look forward to future collaboration and impactful joint activities.

🤝 Together, we can create greater opportunities and lasting change.

06/05/2026

We are proud to celebrate a significant milestone for inclusion and representation!
A visually impaired member of the Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) has been nominated to serve on the Jara West District Tribunal Committee in the Lower River Region of The Gambia. This achievement is a powerful testament to the fact that disability is not inability, and that persons with visual impairment can actively contribute to leadership, governance, and community development.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Chief Jarjusey, the Paramount Chief, and the entire citizens of Jara for this progressive and inclusive decision. Your commitment to recognizing the abilities and potential of all members of society is truly commendable.
This milestone inspires hope and sets a strong example for other communities across the country to promote inclusion, equal opportunity, and participation for persons with disabilities.
Together, we move forward towards a more inclusive Gambia where no one is left behind.

16/04/2026

07/04/2026

International Health Day 2026
Theme: “Together for Health: Stand with Science”
The Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) joins the global community in commemorating International Health Day, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), under the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science.”
On this important day, GOVI calls attention to the urgent challenges faced by visually impaired persons in accessing quality health care services in The Gambia. Health services remain largely unaffordable and inaccessible, while access to vital health information continues to be limited for persons with visual impairments.
“Visually impaired persons are often left behind in the health system, with limited access to both services and information. Visually impaired women suffer the most from this situation,” said Ms. Bintou Sanneh, Chairperson of GOVI.
She emphasized that visually impaired women, who are among the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged in our communities, face multiple barriers including poverty, discrimination, and lack of inclusive health care services.
“Our government must ensure that health care services are accessible to visually impaired women. They are the poorest in our communities and must be empowered,” stated Ms. Mariatou Jassey, Secretary of GOVI Women’s Wing.
GOVI therefore calls on the Government of The Gambia, health stakeholders, and development partners to:
• Ensure health facilities are inclusive and accessible to persons with visual impairments
• Provide health information in accessible formats such as braille and audio
• Strengthen policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities in health care
• Prioritize the empowerment of visually impaired women
As we stand with science, we must also stand for inclusion, equity, and dignity in health care for all.
Together, let us build a health system that leaves no one behind.

02/04/2026

With Dansk Blindesamfund – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

28/03/2026

Pictorial from the first day of the on-going women’s forum at Jarra Soma. Supported by Dansk Blindesamfund

27/03/2026

Empowering Ability Through Skills: Massage Training for the Visually Impaired
At GOVI, we believe that disability is not inability — and this week, that belief is being brought to life in a powerful way.

We are proud to be partnering with Triskal through trainer Paul Vrenken, who is currently in The Gambia delivering hands-on professional massage training to 10 blind and visually impaired participants selected by GOVI.

👐 Through practical sessions, participants are learning:
• Professional massage techniques
• Client care and confidence-building
• Skills to start their own income-generating activities

This initiative is more than just training — it is about independence, dignity, and opportunity.
The dedication and enthusiasm shown by the participants has been truly inspiring. With the right support and skills, they are proving that they can build sustainable livelihoods and take control of their future.

📸 See highlights from the training sessions below.

24/03/2026

Looking forward for the first national forum for visually impaired women. Beginning 26th March 2026.

08/03/2026

🌍 I dag er det Kvindernes Internationale Kampdag, og derfor sætter vi fokus på kvinders rettigheder og kampe, der stadig er værd at kæmpe. For i mange udviklingslande er kvinder med handicap blandt de mest udsatte i samfundet. De har ofte sværere ved at få adgang til uddannelse og arbejde og bliver i højere grad udsat for diskrimination og overgreb.

Men der findes også kvinder, der nægter at lade sig begrænse af hverken fordomme eller et synshandicap 💪❤️

En af dem er 28-årige Mariatou fra Gambia.

Som barn mistede hun synet, men hun nægtede at lade blindhed sætte en stopper for sine drømme. Hun lærte punktskrift, tog en læreruddannelse og kæmper i dag for kvinders rettigheder i Gambia.

For at styrke blinde kvinders stemme er Mariatou med til at arrangere et nationalt kvindeforum. Det bliver det første af sin slags i Gambia, hvor kvinder med synshandicap fra hele landet mødes for at dele erfaringer, lære om deres rettigheder og styrke deres lederskab.

Initiativet bliver til med støtte fra Dansk Blindesamfund.

“Nu vil vi selv tage lederskab. Vi vil ikke længere kun være deltagere, vi vil være beslutningstagere,” siger Mariatou.

På Kvindernes Internationale Kampdag sætter vi fokus på kvinder som Mariatou, der arbejder for et samfund, hvor kvinder med synshandicap bliver hørt, respekteret og får de samme muligheder som alle andre ✨

Giv et like til alle verdens seje kvinder! ❤️

Læs hele Mariatous historie her: https://blind.dk/viden-om-synshandicap/livet-med-synshandicap/mariatou-kaemper-for-blinde-kvinders-rettigheder-i-gambia/