What You Need to Know
• Mentending Trawally, aged 84, participates in the Kanyeleng tradition in Bakau, The Gambia.
• The Kanyeleng tradition supports women facing infertility and child loss, with over 100 groups nationwide.
• Women in Bakau gather to sing and dance, preserving cultural heritage through performances at community events.
Mentending Trawally, an 84-year-old member of the Kanyeleng tradition, participates in a gathering in Bakau, The Gambia, where women sing and dance to celebrate their cultural heritage. The Kanyeleng tradition, which offers solidarity to women who have experienced infertility and child loss, includes around 10 groups in Bakau and over 100 groups across The Gambia, as estimated by historian Hassoum Ceesay. During these gatherings, younger women lead the songs while Trawally, who has been part of this tradition for over seven decades, smiles and taps her feet to the rhythm. The women often perform at weddings and naming ceremonies, where they entertain crowds and receive small donations to support their activities.
Why It Matters
The Kanyeleng tradition is significant in The Gambia as it provides emotional support and community for women facing similar hardships. This cultural practice not only fosters resilience and healing but also preserves a rich heritage that spans across the country and into neighboring regions. The tradition’s continuity, despite the aging of its original members, highlights the importance of cultural transmission and community solidarity in addressing women’s issues. The presence of over 100 Kanyeleng groups nationwide underscores its widespread impact and relevance in Gambian society.
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