By Nelson Manneh
In a moment of national pride, Isatou Ceesay, senior reporter at The Point Newspaper, has won a prestigious international award from the globally renowned Merck Foundation.
The award was announced during a virtual ceremony on Thursday as part of the Merck Foundation’s annual media recognition program, which celebrates outstanding journalism promoting health, gender equality, and social justice.
Mrs. Ceesay emerged victorious in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reporting category under the “Merck Foundation’s More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards, triumphing over several journalists from across the globe. Her compelling storytelling and advocacy for the rights of women and girls earned her this high-profile recognition.
The official presentation of the award and certificate is scheduled to take place in October this year during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Conference, which The Gambia will host. The event will be graced by First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, who also serves as the Merck Foundation’s Ambassador in The Gambia.
Isatou Ceesay is widely respected for her bold, inspiring, and impactful journalism. She is the author of the widely read “Women and Society” column in The Point Newspaper, a platform she uses to amplify the voices of women and girls, highlighting their struggles, achievements, and aspirations. Her journalism is deeply rooted in a passion for gender justice and human rights.
“This award means so much to me,” Ceesay said in an exclusive interview following the announcement. “It is not just a recognition of my work, but a reminder of the responsibility I carry to keep advocating for the voiceless. It’s a task, not just a trophy, and it pushes me to work even harder.”
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management of The Point Newspaper for their continued support: “I want to sincerely thank Baba Hydara, my editors, and colleagues for always believing in me. I also encourage fellow journalists, especially young women, to focus on impactful stories — stories that spark change and give voice to the marginalized.”
Ceesay has previously received several accolades for her work. In 2022, she won the Travel and Tourism Reporting Award at the Gambia Press Union National Journalism Awards. In 2024, she received nominations for both the National Youth Parliament Award and the She Awards, which recognize young change-makers contributing to national development.
Renowned for her integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the truth, Isatou Ceesay’s latest international recognition underscores the critical role of journalism in promoting social transformation. Her achievement not only highlights her personal excellence but also elevates the status of Gambian journalism on the global stage.
Established in 2017 by Merck KGaA Germany, the Merck Foundation partners with First Ladies, Ministries of Health, and media across Africa and Asia to build healthcare capacity and promote awareness on key health and social issues.
As The Gambia prepares to host the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary later this year, Isatou Ceesay’s win stands as a proud symbol of national excellence and the powerful role of media in combating gender-based violence and advancing social change.
