Episode 12 - Virginity Testing

This is Aminata’s voice demanding awareness, justice, and protection for young girls.Through her voice, we are reminded of the physical and emotional harm caused by this practice, and the urgent need to listen to survivors.

A funny 😄 yet heartfelt plea from local vendors to their friends, families, and community. They’re asking those who borrowed from them to finally pay back their loans, stop ghosting, and help keep small businesses thriving. It’s a call to do the right thing, support the hustle, and remember that every coin counts in keeping dreams alive.

A letter from the twins is in, and trust us… it’s as beautiful as it is chaotic. From shared moments to shared drama, they open up about what twin life really feels like.

In this episode, we bring you the story of Aji, a young woman who refused to be defined by her struggles. She became a mother too soon and faced moments where giving up felt easier.But she chose to keep going. And in doing so, she turned her pain into strength and today, she helps others to find theirs.

In this episode, a son with a heavy heart writes to his mother in prison, his words carrying both pain and love. He reflects on all she did to hold the family together, how she gave everything, even when she had nothing, until one mistake took her away.Yet to him, she is still his mother, still his hero. He cannot bring her home, but his love endures, waiting and praying for her.

Today’s Bataaxal explores the sensitive topic of virginity testing. In The Gambia, virginity is highly valued, and girls who cannot “prove” it are often judged as indecent or unworthy of celebration.In this episode, we unveil a bold letter from a sender who challenges this cultural belief. He questions a practice built on myths and calls for greater understanding and dignity for girls and women.

In this episode, we focus on The Rural Child, their dreams, challenges, and untold stories. From access to education and healthcare to opportunities for growth and protection, we explore what it truly means to grow up in rural communities. This conversation highlights resilience, potential, and the shared responsibility to ensure every rural child is given a fair chance to make it happen.

In this episode, Ndey opens her heart in a powerful letter to the woman who raised her with love, warmth, and care even without giving birth to her.A moving reminder that motherhood is defined by love, not blood, and that every child deserves kindness, protection, and a place to belong.

This episode focuses on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), their lived experiences, the challenges they face, and the importance of inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities. We discuss breaking stereotypes, promoting accessibility, and why disability is not inability. This conversation is about awareness, empathy, and building a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

This episode addresses rape, a painful and often silenced reality affecting individuals and communities. We talk about consent, victim-blaming, the emotional and psychological impact on survivors, and the importance of speaking up and seeking justice. This conversation is about awareness, empathy, and breaking the silence, while standing with survivors and promoting a culture of respect and accountability.