Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – For many, mental health remains a subject shrouded in stigma and silence. But for Ajie Jocob Njie, it became the force that transformed her deepest pain into a powerful purpose.
Ajie is a student, a mother, and the founder and executive director of PathMothers Organization—an initiative inspired by her own experiences of trauma, survival, and recovery. Today, she uses her story to shed light on struggles too often hidden, while proving that resilience can transform even the most painful chapters into platforms of hope.
Her journey began with dreams familiar to many Gambian girls: ambition, education, and the promise of a bright future. But in 2018, while preparing for her final school exams as a teenager, Ajie’s life was abruptly altered when she was sexually assaulted by someone she trusted.
“When I realized I was pregnant, everything changed,” she recalls. “I was young, scared, and confused. I didn’t even know I was pregnant until four or five months later. I felt the world close in on me.”
After giving birth, Ajie returned to school with a fierce determination to prove society wrong. Yet beneath her courage lay the weight of trauma. When her closest friend—her emotional anchor—passed away suddenly, her mental health spiraled.
“I started hearing sounds and isolating myself for days. Sometimes I wouldn’t open my door or talk to anyone. I was living, but not alive.”
Medical intervention eventually provided clarity. Ajie was diagnosed with a mental health condition and began therapy—a process she describes as both painful and healing.
“Sometimes I stop taking my medication thinking I’m fine, but I always realize I need it. Mental health doesn’t just disappear—you learn to manage it.”
Out of her struggle, Ajie found purpose. On 27 November 2024, she officially registered PathMothers Organisation, a community initiative that supports young single mothers, women, and mental health survivors.
“The organization focuses on three things: mental health support, entrepreneurship, and education,” she explained. “We want women to rebuild themselves, not depend on others, and be given the dignity and opportunities they deserve.”
For Ajie, the project represents more than an initiative—it is redemption.
Today, Ajie continues her education, leads her organization, and raises her son, who remains her greatest motivation.
“If you want to see the best part of me, be kind to my son,” she said with a soft smile. “He’s my reason to fight harder every day. I’m not just a mother; I’m a father too. I work multiple jobs just to make sure he never lacks.”
Ajie now views her mental health journey not as a curse, but as a gift that shaped her into someone stronger, more empathetic, and more determined to help others.
“I take mental health as something positive. It helped me transform and understand others better. All we really need is love and support, not judgment.”
Through her voice and her advocacy, Ajie is challenging The Gambia’s lingering stigma around mental health. She calls for greater compassion, awareness, and systemic support for those suffering in silence.
“Society often labels us as outcasts or unstable. But we are human too. All we need is acceptance and love. If you can’t help, don’t hurt.”
From a scared teenage mother to a fearless advocate, Ajie’s journey is a testament to resilience. Her story reminds us that healing is not about erasing scars—it’s about using them to light the way for others still struggling in the dark.
