Women and girls who wear Niqab in The Gambia face the worst kind of bullying, according to a women activist. 

Fatoumatta Sandeng, daugter of slain politician Ebrima Solo Sandeng, made the comment following a social media criticism of a group of Niqab wearing women for planning a social event at the beach. 

Ms Sandeng said:”Those who wear Niqab in The Gambia face one of the worst kinds of bullying be it at their homes or even the markets. 

“They are provoked, called Ninja or even masquerade. Do you have an idea how depressing and discouraging that can be. They need their space to feel appreciated by each other.

“That venue like any other can be used for good or bad things. So nowhere (except the houses of Allah) is as sacred. 

“Depends on intentions and usage. If they go to a school ground, schools organise musical shows and there are men who teach or even guard the school. Halls, musical events organized and like the schools, not only women are there.”

“Even the market which is meant to buy food has mixture of both genders where we often see men who stand behind women rubbing their privates on them. 

“So what exactly is a better place in your opinions and how bad is the venue they chose. Should it be your choice of venue or theirs? Have you been given invitation as chief patron or guest of honor for the event?” she added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba