Isatou Touray facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Isatou Touray
Touray in 2017
10th Vice-President of the Gambia
In office 15 March 2019 – 4 May 2022
President	Adama Barrow
Preceded by	Ousainou Darboe
Succeeded by	Badara Joof
Minister of Health and Social Welfare
In office 9 July 2018 – 27 March 2019
President	Adama Barrow
Preceded by	Saffie Lowe Ceesay
Succeeded by	Ahmadou Lamin Samateh
Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment
In office 1 February 2017 – 9 July 2018
President	Adama Barrow
Preceded by	Abdoulie Jobe
Succeeded by	Amadou Sanneh
Personal details
Born	(1955-03-17) 17 March 1955 (age 70) Banjul, the Gambia
Political party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Coalition 2016
Alma mater	Usmanu Danfodiyo University International Institute of Social Studies Institute of Development Studies

Isatou Touray (born 17 March 1955) is a famous Gambian politician and activist. She is known for working to improve society. She has been a strong voice against harmful traditional practices.

In 2016, she made history as the first woman to run for president in The Gambia. Later, she supported Adama Barrow and his group, Coalition 2016. After the election, she served in Barrow's government as a minister. On 15 March 2019, she became the Vice-President of The Gambia.

Early Life and Education

Isatou Touray was born in 1955 in Banjul, which was then called Bathurst. She grew up in Banjul. In school, she was known for being a good athlete.

She went to Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Nigeria. There, she earned a degree in education and English. She then studied in the Netherlands at the International Institute of Social Studies. She got a master's degree in development studies. Later, she earned her PhD in development studies from the Institute of Development Studies in the United Kingdom.

Her Work as an Activist

Isatou Touray has worked hard to help people. In 1984, she helped start the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP). This group works to end harmful traditional practices that affect women. She became the leader of GAMCOTRAP. She often asked politicians to make these practices illegal, even when it was difficult.

In 1998, she helped organize a meeting where religious leaders and doctors agreed to condemn these harmful practices. From 2006 to 2011, she led the Gambian part of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). She also served as Secretary-General for another important group that works on women's health from 2009 to 2014.

She also worked at the Management Development Institute (MDI). There, she created a unit focused on gender and development. She faced challenges and false accusations but continued her important work.

Running for President

On 2 September 2016, Isatou Touray announced she would run for president. This was a big moment because she was the first woman to ever run for president in The Gambia. She said that if she won, she would only serve for five years. Her goal was to give power back to the people and end unfair practices.

Many opposition parties decided to work together to support one candidate against the current president. Isatou Touray was part of these discussions. On 4 November, she decided to support Adama Barrow and withdrew from the race. Adama Barrow later won the election on 1 December.

Serving in Government

After the election, Isatou Touray joined Adama Barrow's government. On 1 February 2017, she became the Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment. In July 2018, she was given a new role as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

On 15 March 2019, she became the Vice-President of The Gambia. This was a very important position in the government.

Personal Life

Isatou Touray is married to Dr. Alhaji Malang Touray, who is a doctor. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Awards and Recognition

• In 2017, she received the Jeanne J. Kirkpatrick Award from the Women's Democracy Network.

See also

In Spanish: Isatou Touray para niños