I was born in August 1994, less than a month after dictator Yahya Jammeh overthrew a democratically elected government in The Gambia, my home country. For the first 22 years of my life, I lived under a regime that stifled development, escalated poverty and shut down critical international support. Fear and repression were constants and torture and arbitrary disappearances were commonplace, leaving deep scars on society.

Despite these challenges, I held onto the dream that The Gambia would one day become a beacon of hope for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. I envisioned a governance system that truly responded to the needs of its people, particularly youth and marginalized groups. This dream fueled my dedication to leadership, policy advocacy, capacity building and community engagement.

Fortunately, The Gambia has changed in ways that were unimaginable when I was growing up. The end of Jammeh’s regime in 2017 opened a new chapter in our history. Today we have greater press freedom, a more open political space, and a growing civil society advocating for justice and institutional reforms. I am honored to have played a modest role in the journey of my country as one of several young leaders who have been at the forefront of restructuring efforts.

Despite positive changes, our democracy remains fragile, as the lingering effects of dictatorship continue to shape political institutions, public trust and governance structures. Corruption, selective justice and political polarization hinder progress, while a lack of institutional reforms leaves many remnants of the past regime intact. Civil society organizations and youth activists still face resistance when advocating for greater transparency and accountability, making it imperative to strengthen governance mechanisms, promote civic education and ensure meaningful citizen participation in decision-making.

Youth advancing democracy

At age 12, I joined the Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance and later became involved in the National Youth Parliament, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan youth organization dedicated to amplifying young people’s voices in governance. The National Youth Parliament plays a crucial role in civic education, policy advocacy, and youth engagement, ensuring that young people actively contribute to decision-making processes.

In 2021, as the organization’s elected speaker, I worked with a vibrant team to transform youth participation in governance. With funding from the United Nations Development Programme, I led reforms that paved the way for the first-ever National Youth Sittings in the National Assembly Chambers, where young people, including women and persons with disabilities, debated critical issues affecting their lives and produced actionable resolutions. This initiative demonstrated the power of youth-led governance and highlighted the importance of inclusive policy making.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing tangible change through youth-led democratic initiatives. In 2021, with support from the British High Commission and the International Republican Institute, I led a nationwide voter education campaign, engaging hard-to-reach communities and party leaders to promote responsible and peaceful voting. These efforts contributed to an unprecedented 89 percent voter turnout in the presidential election, up from 59 percent in 2016.

In a second collaboration with the International Republican Institute, I led the development of an online platform designed to track campaign promises made by members of the national assembly. This tool promotes legislative transparency and facilitates citizen access to key legislative documents, strengthening accountability and public trust in governance.

Despite these successes, working to advance democracy comes with challenges. Resistance to change, political polarization and the lingering effects of past dictatorship make reforms difficult. Youth-led advocacy is often met with skepticism, and securing funding for grassroots initiatives remains an ongoing struggle. Despite these obstacles, I remain motivated by the resilience of young people in The Gambia who continue to push for a more inclusive and just society.

Deepening expertise at Notre Dame

Choosing to pursue a master of global affairs degree at the Keough School was a natural next step in my journey. Notre Dame’s commitment to ethical leadership, social justice and global policy aligns perfectly with my aspirations. Here, I am deepening my understanding of governance structures, international development and conflict resolution—critical areas that will enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully to democratic reforms in The Gambia and beyond.

As a policy impact assistant at the Keough School’s Pulte Institute for Global Development, I apply my experience to initiatives addressing global poverty and inequality. Collaborating with scholars, policymakers and practitioners has broadened my perspective on governance challenges and solutions worldwide.

I am inspired by the vibrant community at Notre Dame, where I continue to learn and collaborate with others who share a deep commitment to building a more just and equitable world. My journey has been shaped by many people, institutions, and experiences, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this work within such a dynamic and purpose-driven network.

Omar Cham is a master of global affairs student in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.

Originally published by Omar Cham at keough.nd.edu on March 11, 2025.