By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly Research Unit has called for the adoption of a mandatory gender quota law to ensure a minimum of 30 percent representation of women across all public institutions.
The research, aimed at addressing persistent gender imbalances in the public sector, highlights the need for binding legislation to accelerate women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.
The report notes that the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare has previously queried quota systems, which remain one of the most effective tools for increasing female representation. Drawing on international examples, the study references Rwanda’s gender quota law, which mandates 30 percent female representation and has resulted in women holding over 61 percent of parliamentary seats. The report describes Rwanda as a global model of inclusion.
“Similar approaches in Senegal and South Africa have yielded measurable gains in women’s representation at decision-making levels. The Gambia can learn from these successes to institutionalize gender equity through binding legislation,” the report suggests.
The research unit also recommended structural and institutional reforms, emphasizing that sustainable gender inclusion cannot succeed without addressing systemic barriers. The report calls for family-friendly workplace policies, including on-site childcare facilities, flexible working hours, and parental leave schemes. Citing a 2022 International Labour Organization (ILO) study, it adds that such measures significantly improve women’s retention and advancement in the workforce, making leadership roles more accessible for women balancing professional and family responsibilities.
Capacity-building and mentorship programs for mid-career women in both public and private sectors are also recommended to create a robust leadership pipeline.
The report further calls for stronger enforcement of the existing Gender and Women’s Empowerment Policy, highlighting the lack of consistent monitoring mechanisms. It urges government collaboration with civil society, religious leaders, and development partners to conduct nationwide awareness campaigns challenging discriminatory norms and promoting women’s leadership. Examples from Liberia and Kenya demonstrate the effectiveness of media-driven public education in shifting societal attitudes and encouraging female participation in politics and governance.
Despite the presence of domestic and international laws promoting gender equality, the report concludes that gaps remain due to weak implementation and enforcement. Strengthening legal frameworks and empowering women to participate fully in public life is critical to reducing gender disparities across government institutions, it concluded.
