Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
DRAFT Report
Acknowledgements
Preface
Executive Summary
There has been important progress in addressing issues that affect the rights of children
and women over the past ten years in The Gambia. National legislation and polices
have been put in place that guarantee full equality for women and ensure that children
have their rights realized. Programs focusing on meeting the needs and ensuring the
rights of children and women are ongoing and greater attention at the national level is
given to ensure that action is taken to support the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination Against Women. (CEDAW).
Most recently, the Women’s Act 2010 was passed through the National Assembly. This
important and holistic piece of legislation clearly specifies measures that if fully enacted
would go a long way to ensuring that women in The Gambia enjoy equity of rights and
benefits. Rights regarding economic empowerment, equity in employment, access to
quality healthcare, equal educational opportunities and minimizing the divisions that
men and women face regarding social issues are clearly laid out in this comprehensive
document. Nevertheless, the Act as passed has been heavily diluted from the original
intent regarding some important issues such as inheritance, divorce and traditional
harmful practices.
The needs and rights of children have been clearly articulated in The Children’s Act
2005. In full support of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this
document details the rights of children to enjoy a safe and healthy life, to development
to their full potential, and to fully exercise their rights as citizens.
Alongside these works of legislation, the government has fully committed itself to
achieving the goals as set out in the Millennium Declaration. Significant advances have
been made in achieving gender parity in basic education, improving access to clean
water and reducing the incidence of childhood illnesses. While not all of the MDGs are
on track to be fully realized by 2015, the efforts made thus far in reaching these goals,
should contribute positively in addressing the needs of children and women.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
While significant progress has been made as described above, there are still important
issues such as the reduction of poverty, reducing infant and maternal mortality, and
equalizing the disparities in earning power between men and women, which must be
addressed in order to fully ensure the rights of children and women are met and
safeguarded. The findings from the Situation Analysis indicate that in order to achieve
full gender equity and ensure children have the rights which will enable them to reach
their full potential, a stronger commitment to addressing some of the specific underlying
causes of the issues raised and to close the gaps in budgetary allocations and
programming is required. In summary there is much more work to be done to ensure
children and women in The Gambia can fully exercise their rights.
Key Findings
Poverty is a major cause of, and underlies the majority of issues that negatively affect
the rights of children and women. Poverty greatly increases the vulnerability of women
and children to illness, poor education, abuse and exploitation. With over sixty percent
of Gambians living under the National Poverty Line1, this is perhaps the most important
issue which needs on-going attention.
While much needed legislation regarding rights of children and women has been
formalized, the systems to fully implement the directives are not functioning to optimal
levels. For example, child welfare units have not been established at police stations
country-wide, reporting mechanisms for abuse and exploitation outside of the Greater
Banjul Area are lacking, and regulatory guidelines and monitoring mechanisms on child
protection issues are nonexistent at many levels. (There are no official child protection
policies or standards that are enforced in child care institutions, orphanages, NGOs, etc)
Women and children are still largely left out of the decision making process at the family,
community and national level. While the government has legislated specific provisions
to guarantee their rights, women and children have little say over day to day decisions
that affect their daily lives or larger issues that influence their future, such as education,
health care or livelihood opportunities.
The most vulnerable persons and thereby those who are most at risk of not having their
rights realized remain a relatively neglected population. There are not enough services
available to meet their needs and even fewer opportunities for their active participation
at any level in the decision making process.
1
Government of The Gambia, ‘PRSP II 2007-2011’, GoTG, November 2006.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Gender parity has been realized in primary education, with the percentage of girls
surpassing the percentage of boys in enrolment. Yet enrolment rates in secondary and
tertiary education remain significantly lower for girls than boys. Additionally, important
factors such as corporal punishment and sexual harassment in schools have been
identified during primary data collection exercises as some of the reasons for this lower
level of enrolment and violate the fundament rights of children to a safe and conducive
learning environment.
Sexual exploitation and sex tourism continue to present challenges in the protection of
children and women from abuse, exploitation and harm. The Gambia has regrettably
gained the unfavorable status of an international hot spot for sex tourists. This
unwanted notoriety places women and children, especially those in dire economic
situations at risk for sexual abuse, exploitation and illness.
During the primary data collection exercises, participants indicated that rural women are
subjected to particularly difficult living conditions, with a long daily list of labour intensive
tasks. In addition to the pressure of a heavy workload, women in rural communities do
not have equal access to quality health care, opportunities for income generating
activities, or input into local decision making. These factors can lead to greater
vulnerability to risks, as for example in the case of pregnancy related deaths.
Contraceptive use remains relatively low with few women practicing family planning2.
Family size is often the decision of the man, who as head of the household makes most
of the decisions affecting the family. This has direct implications on the health and
economic status of women, who as the primary caregivers in the family, have little time
or energy (as affected by poor health) for economically lucrative activities or are not
able to pursue higher levels of education (which impacts earning power).
Women make up approximately 45 percent of the Gambian labour force 3 , but the
majority of women work in low paying vocations such as agriculture, domestic work and
as street or market vendors. This results, in part, to the disparity of earning power.
(Women only earn approximately 63 cents for every dollar a man makes in terms of
purchasing power parity4.)
There has been an increase in immunisation rates in The Gambia, approaching close to
universal coverage. Also the rate of infant mortality (children under one year) and under
Accessgambia.com, ‘Contraceptives in The Gambia’, Contraceptive Prevalence and Fertility
Determinants Survey (1990) revealed that only 6.7 percent of the Gambian population uses
contraceptives. www.accessgambia.com/information/ contraceptives.
3 Government of The Gambia, ‘Population and Housing Census’, GoTG, 2003.
4 United Nations Development Programme, ‘Human Development Report’, UNDP, 2009.
2
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
five mortality are decreasing which is a result of improved health care services for
children. Nevertheless, maternal mortality rates are still high at 730/100,000 and efforts
to reduce this have not been as successful as needed to meet the MGDs or other
national targets.
Childhood malnutrition remains a problem, with high rates of stunting and malnutrition in
children under five, especially in rural areas. (According to MICS 2005/06 rural
malnutrition rates are almost double the urban rates for all three measurements of
malnutrition.) There are structures that have been put in place, such as the National
Nutrition Surveillance, which is carried out every six months in order to identify
malnourished children or soon to be malnourished children for referral to community or
local recuperation services.
In summary, there have been comprehensive measures developed which if successfully
implemented would ensure that the rights of women and children are fully supported in
Gambia society. Yet there continues to be large disparities of equity in realizing the full
attainment of these rights. In order to continue to make progress on the measures which
have been put in place and policies that have been developed, a stronger commitment
to adequate funding, full participation of stakeholders, including target beneficiaries, and
endorsing attitudal change needs to be made. This includes the full engagement of all
the major stakeholders including government, donors, international and national NGOs
and CBOs, private agencies and perhaps most importantly the children, women and
men who are most affected.
Objectives
The overall objective of the Situation Analysis (SitAn) for Children and Women in the
Gambia is to identify the issues and causes hindering the fulfillment of children’s and
women’s rights, to analyze the capacity of duty bearers at all levels for meeting their
obligations, to analyze the policy and legal frameworks for children, and make specific
recommendations for future actions. In addition, the analysis identifies facilitating factors
on which to build, and draws on opportunities and strategies for future action. The SitAn
will also;
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

Contribute to national research, formulating policies, legislation, and budgets.
Serve as a reference for developing national plans, programmes and other
processes
Provide an assessment and analysis of the realization of the rights of children
Identify the challenges concerning children using relevantly stratified data
summaries
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1.
Background and Justification for Study
As part of its programming process, UNICEF in addition to the UNDAF Common
Country Assessment development process, undertakes a Situation Analysis to identify
the most critical issues affecting the rights of children and women in a country. In The
Gambia the last Situation Analysis (SitAn) was conducted in 2001 and since that time,
much of the issues and indicators on these issues regarding the rights of children and
women have changed. This SitAn 2010 will assess and analyze the nature and extent to
which such changes have occurred using a human rights based approach and causality
analysis, which seeks to identify the immediate causes, underlying causes and the
structural or basic causes of the issues and problems confronting children and women
in The Gambia.
Now is an appropriate time to carry out a new Situation Analysis, as UNICEF and The
Government of The Gambia Country Programme of Cooperation 2007 – 2011 is in its
second half of implementation and preparations for a new country programme have
been initiated. An updated Situation Analysis is required to provide needed information
on the changes in information and other emerging issues affecting children and women,
identify the structural vulnerabilities and to contribute in the preparation of the Common
Country Assessment and the United National Assistance Framework 2012-2016. It will
also contribute to the new Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment for the
Gambia 2012- 2015.
It is envisaged that this Situation Analysis will support the articulation and
strengthening – through participatory means – of policy frameworks, strategies, and
interventions at different levels of society that will achieve long term beneficial results for
children and women in The Gambia.
1.2 Comparative General Review of Past Situation Analysis
There have been several Situation Analysis Reports conducted and produced in The
Gambia. The first three reports on the Situation Analysis of Children and Women were
conducted in 1992, 1997 and 20015. The most recent validated report was carried out in
2001 and recommended, among other issues that;
Recommendations from ‘The Situation of Children and Women’ Report6
5
There was a SitAn developed in 2005 which was not validated.
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘The Situation of Children and Women’, GoTG, UNICEF, Nov 2001, Pg
126-127.
6
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
 Arresting the HIV/AIDS pandemic in The Gambia should be of paramount
concern in the provision of health services,
 Setting up Children and Women’s Rights Commission should be a key feature
of the rights promotion and protection programme, which should be empowered
to oversee the harmonisation of CRC and CEDAW and the enactment of
comprehensive children’s legislation that will combine and expand on the
legislation, which are already in existence.
 Capacity building for improved data collection, analysis and compilation at the
national level.
 Differentiating programming based on regional variations that address specific
disparities, especially for the most vulnerable.
There has been progress in realizing some of the recommendations listed above. The
National Women’s Commission was established and has been actively promoting the
rights of women, but a joint Women and Children’s Commission or a separate
Children’s Commission has not been set up. Nevertheless, in support of the UNCRC
and CEDAW, The Children’s Act 2005, the Women’s Act 2010, The Trafficking Act and
the Tourism Act have been legislated in order to address some of the major issues
which affect the rights of children and women. While strong legislative measures have
been made, implementation has not been as rigorous to ensure that children and
women rights are safeguarded. (Chapter 6 provides more information on International
and National Legislation and Policies.)
There have also been increased efforts to collect and analyze data on issues related to
women and children. A computerized Health Management Information Systems (HMIS)
has been completed and the Education Management Information System (EMIS) is set
up for the analysis of regularly collected data. GAMINFO has been developed in order
to consolidate information from various social service sectors into one system.
Nevertheless, the collection of relevant data for analysis and action is an area that
needs continued strengthening and support. For example some important information
on social welfare issues such as incidents of domestic violence, rape cases, and the
number of street children are not readily (if at all) available.
1.3 Human Rights Based Approach
A human rights-based approach is a conceptual framework for the process of human
development that is normatively based on international human rights standards and
operationally directed to promoting and protecting human rights. It seeks to analyze
inequalities which lie at the heart of development problems and redress discriminatory
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
practices and unjust distributions of power that impede development progress.
Under a human rights-based approach, the plans, policies and processes of
development are anchored in a system of rights and corresponding obligations
established by international law. This helps to promote the sustainability of development
work, empowering people themselves—especially the most marginalized—to participate
in policy formulation and hold accountable those who have a duty to act.
As an international development organization, tasked by its mandate and mission
statement to advocate for the protection of children's and women’s rights, UNICEF has
worked since the 1989 adoption of the CRC to identify ways in which normative
processes of international human rights law can inform and guide development work for
children and women. In 1998, with the issuance of Executive Directive 1998-2004,
UNICEF adopted the Human Rights-Based Approach to Programming.
There are two main rationales for a human rights-based approach: (a) the intrinsic
rationale, acknowledging that a human rights-based approach is the right thing to do,
morally or legally; and (b) the instrumental rationale, recognizing that a human rightsbased approach leads to better and more sustainable human development outcomes. In
practice, the reason for pursuing a human rights-based approach is usually a blend of
these two7.
1.4 Conceptual Framework
A Conceptual Framework is an analytical model developed through scientific evidence,
global research, local knowledge and lessons learned from evaluations that establishes
a structured way of assessing an issue. A Conceptual Framework helps:

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
To organize or cluster the multiple causes into a pattern of relationship, and to
identify immediate, underlying or basic causes;
To ask the appropriate questions so that all main contributing factors are
considered – for example, a low rate of vaccination may be the result of an
ineffective health system
To convince partners to explore specific underlying or basic causes that they
may have been reluctant to consider.
UNHCR, ‘Frequently Asked Questions on a Human Rights-Based Approach to Development
Cooperation’, UN, 2006
7
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
A Conceptual Framework provides insight into the nature and structure of social
services in terms of access, use, equality and quality of services. It examines
information on some of the key aspects of the family and community situation, sociocultural attitudes and practices, laws, policies and institutional capacities.
The situation analysis reviews the causes and effects of important issues using
participatory methodologies such as problem tree analysis and responsibilities matrix.
The following diagrams outline the flow of a conceptual framework.
Figure 1. Diagrams of Conceptual Framework
Source: Guidance for Conducting Situation Assessment and Analysis of Children’s and Women’s Rights,
UNICEF, January 2008
1.5. Report Outline
The report is presented in eight chapters as outlined below.
Executive Summary provides a brief overview of report, highlighting some of the
findings and recommendations.
Chapter 1 introduces the background and justification for the study in regards to future
country programs, policies and activities. It will summarize the concept of a Human
Rights Based Approach and the Conceptual Framework.
Chapter 2 will provide an overview of the country context in terms of geography,
political structure, demography, social structures, systems and policies in Education,
Health and Justice, an overview of the economy and a brief look at the National
Planning Context.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Chapter 3 helps to define what issues make women and children vulnerable to abuses
of rights, such as poverty, food security, and emergencies. Additionally to ensure that
the most marginalized are well represented in the document, issues related to the most
vulnerable populations are included as sub topics in Chapters 4 and 5.
Chapters 4 – 5 As the Situation Analysis is framed using a human rights based
approach, the report presents issues in line with the primary international documents on
children and women’s rights, the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW). The relevant UNCRC or CEDAW article is presented under the
appropriate topic. Within the specific topics, an assessment and analysis of causes and
existing structural support is presented.
Chapter 6 takes a look at the legislative issues, policies and budget implications on the
issues concerning children and women. A thorough analysis of budget expenditures and
gaps in a Policy and Budget Matrix is included in the report. (Pending available data)
Chapter 7 will briefly review how some of the emerging issues such as the FFF crisis,
climate change, urbanization, migration, unemployment and the recent currency crisis
impacts children and women in The Gambia.
Chapter 8 Conclusions A general review of the identified issues and conclusions are
presented.
1.6 Methodology
The Situation Analysis was developed using a participatory approach.
Participatory Methodology
The inclusion of all stakeholders in a participatory approach was used in order to
develop a holistic Situation Analysis. The Task Force and UNICEF supported the
mobilization of discussions with children, youth, women and key stakeholders. Critical
ongoing reviews were carried out by the Task Force members and UNICEF staff, who
provided valuable input into the document. (Annex 1 is list of Task Force Members)
Both primary and secondary data was used in the development of the report. Primary
data was collected using Focus Group Discussions, Key Information Surveys, and
Round Table Discussions with children, women, men and other stakeholders. These
activities employed participatory tools such as problem tree analysis and a
responsibilities matrix. (Detailed reports of the RTDs and FGD/KIIs are included as
Annex 2).
Primary Data Collection – Round Table Discussions and Focus Group Discussions
Round Table Discussions (RTDs)
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Between ten to fifteen participants from four major groups of stakeholders (children,
youth, women and key stakeholders) were invited for a one day workshop to discuss the
importance of issues, causes and consequences of issues affecting children and
women. The following table outlines the participants for each group invited.
Table 1: RTD Participants
Participant Group
Women
Children
Youth
Key Stakeholders
Topics to be discussed
Rights of
Health
Education
Livelihoods
Political Participation
Social Issues
Rights of:
Survival
Development
Protection
Participation
Rights of:
Survival
Development
Protection
Participation
Rights of:
Survival
Development
Protection
Participation
Social Issues
Political Participation
Participant Profile
10 – 12 participants from
the following groups:
Govt
NGO
Private Organizations
10-12 participants
Range of students from
ages of 10 – 14 years old.
Equal gender balance.
10 – 12 participants from
age of 14 – 18 years old.
Equal gender balance.
10 – 12 representatives
from relevant line
government ministries,
NGOs/CBOs, media, and
private charitable
institutions
Summary of RTDs
Children’s Rights/Issues
Both Children and youth groups expressed a strong desire to be involved in decision
making, especially as related to family matters. All three groups indicated that there is a
need for more extracurricular and recreational activities both in and out of school. Child
protection issues centered around child abuse, drug use and sexual exploitation. The
issue of corporal punishment was raised by key stakeholders but interestingly not in the
Children or Youth groups, which may indicate that corporal punishment is not being
used in the school system, or at least is not seen as a problem by students.
The issue of Harmful Traditional Practices was not raised by the Children or Youth
group but came out strongly as a leading issue in both the women’s and key
stakeholder discussions. This issue may be too sensitive for younger participants to feel
comfortable discussing in a formal setting. Even though the issue of Female Genital
Mutilation was ranked one of the priority issues according to the women’s group, it was
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
tabled for further analysis and discussion, the overall sentiment was one of frustration
and that ‘nothing would change it’. This issue had been recently removed from the
Women’s Act passed by parliament in April 2010, with the explanation of long standing
traditional beliefs and practices that seem to dominate attitudes concerning harmful
traditional practices.
Health care was the major issue raised in the Child Rights’ Survival category, as most
participants thought that access to quality health care was critical for continued
development but that quality services were not as accessible as needed. Additionally all
three groups expressed the need for clean water and good sanitation. Children and
Youth felt that in addition to free basic education, freedom of expression was important
for their development. Key stakeholders stressed not only basic education as important
to overall child development but also the need for Early Childhood Development (ECD)
programming and traditional parental practices such as story telling.
Women Rights/Issues
In general the women’s group and the key stakeholder group (8 men and 1 woman)
identified many of the same issues that affect women’s rights. In both groups illiteracy,
low retention rate for girls (after primary school), poor maternity care, FGM, unfair
inheritance laws, heavy work load for women, rural women in particular, early marriage,
prostitution for ‘economic survival’ and sex tourism were listed as some of the most
important issues that affect women’s rights.
The Women’s group expressed disappointment and some frustration about the removal
of important issues such as FGM, inheritance, divorce and marriage laws from the
recently passed Women’s Act 2010. They also emphasized the issue of male
dominance in family, community and national issues compared to the male dominated
Key Stakeholder group. Although men did recognize that there was a male dominance
in household and community issues and that women did not hold political office in equal
numbers.
In general and not surprisingly, it seemed that participants in the Women’s group raised
issues that directly affect their daily life and that of their children. There was much
discussion about the unfairness of inheritance laws, property rights and the ease of
divorce in traditional laws. The Key Stakeholders group looked more broadly at some of
the issues affecting the overall rights of women and children. Participants recognized
inherent inequalities throughout systems and structures and expressed beliefs that
these inequalities should cease.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
In order to gather important information regarding the status of children and women,
FGDs and KIIs were conducted in all six regions of the Gambia. The target groups for
the community based FGDs were women, children, men and duty bearers such as MPs,
Kafo Leaders, Akailos and one representative of the most vulnerable in the community.
Selection of the villages/communities was stratified based on the following criteria:
Village sizes between 500 and 1500: The population size of these villages was
important as they had to be large enough to represent varied opinions yet manageable
to mobilize participants quickly.
Distance from the main road/ highway: The problem of access to basic social
services is often encountered in villages far from the highway.
Ethnic grouping: In order to ensure equitable distribution, the FGDs aimed to meet
with some of the various ethnic groups in The Gambia.
The FGDs and KIIs were carried out in the following communities.
Table 2: List of Villages/communities in FGDs and KIIs
Community/Village
District
Banjul Central
Kotu
A district in Banjul
Serrekunda WestKMC
Foni Bintang - WR
Bintang
Bambali
Medina Sancha
Kuntaur Fula Kunda
Diabugu Ba Sillah
Upper
Badibou/NBR
Kiang East/LRR
Nianija/CRRN
Fuladu
East/URRS
Population (2003
Census)
9, 094
11844
Estimated distance
from highway
In the capital city
On the highway
632
10 – 15 km
1,144
>20km
Mixed but mainly
Jola
Mandinka
827
986
1230
>20km
3km
10km?
Wolof
Fula
Sarahule
Main Ethnic group
Wolof
Mixed
Summary of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
Focus Group Discussions
Children Focus Groups
Education - Education was the most important issue raised by children during FGDs,
specifically access to post primary education facilities as there were no secondary
schools in any of the villages where the survey was conducted. (In Kotu there are only
private secondary schools.) The high cost of transportation, lack of teachers in schools,
shortage of learning materials and high cost of lodging( if schools were far), and
distance to schools were the issues raised as deterrents to education, especially
secondary education. Many students explained that they would like access to
vocational or alternative training centers as an alternative to secondary schools. Girls’
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
education remains an issue in predominantly Sarahule areas as traditional practices
tend to include early marriage and beliefs that do not favor ‘western education’.
Health
Access to health care was another important raised by children’s groups. The lack of
access to major medical facilities and the high cost of medication or the lack of
commonly needed medication were discussed. Malaria and diarrhea were the two
leading reasons gave as to why children go to medical facilities
Women Focus Groups
WASH
The most important issue which was raised throughout all the Women Focus Groups
was access to water. Specifically the lack of, or difficultly to access to clean water in
terms of; distance to wells, depth of wells from which to pull water, open wells that are
not clean and wells that contain only hard water that is not good to drink or easy to
wash clothes. In urban areas, not all households have piped water or access to wells
and must buy water from neighbors with taps, which is prohibitively expensive.
Health and Nutrition
Poor maternal health care was raised as the second priority issues for women,
specifically relating to emergency obstetric care. The distance to health facilities and the
quality of the roads were mentioned as reasons that led to maternal or infant death.
Additionally, the high cost or unavailability of medications was also raised by women.
A lack of vegetables, which are needed for good nutrition and health or seasonal
availability to vegetables, was raised by women. This was due in part to small scale
farming, a lack of water and pervasive animal grazing.
Work load
References to the heavy work load were brought up during the discussions with women,
with the need for labor saving devices such as milling machines, plowing services and
water taps or well. Additionally, women stated that there are no multipurpose centers in
which to practice and apply acquired vocation skills.
Credit buying of groundnuts by parastatals is an issue for both women and men as
payment for production is often delayed for up to six months. This severely restricts their
ability to adequately provide for their families for a significant part of the year.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Key Informant Interviews
Many of the issues which were raised during the FGDs were also brought up by KIs,
such as access to health services, limited water supply, and issues around labour and
workloads. Education in the KIIs was not listed as a priority issue, but reference to
urban migration for work or educational opportunities was discussed.
Health and WASH
Difficulties to access health care, such as distance and poor road conditions, plus the
high cost of, or lack of needed medications were also brought up during KIIs. Sanitation
was raised as few households have toilet facilities. It was noted that community toilets
have not proven to be effective as they are not maintained so most people must use the
bush for personal hygiene activities. The KIIs agreed that the wells were often difficult
to access.
Additionally, a lack of electricity in areas that had once had power, but had experienced
power shortages was brought up by some of the KIIs.
Representatives of the most vulnerable groups who were usually members of the
poorest household explained that their priority was on economic empowerment which
related to agricultural production, such as access to seed, fertilizer, and draft animals.
Secondary Data Collection – Desk Review
A thorough Desk Review of relevant documents was essential to the development of the
Situation Analysis. Some of the documents that were reviewed are listed below. (Annex
3 contains the full Document Source List.)
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
Previous UNICEF SitAns in The Gambia
Relevant policy documents related to women and children
State Party report to UNCRC and CEDAW
Alternative NGO reports to UNCRC and CEDAW
MICS 2005/6
Statistics such as HMIS, EMIS, and CSR
Poverty Reduction Strategy II
CCA 2005/2006
MDG report and previous similar reports
Relevant UNICEF studies or reports
Sectoral or thematic reports and background documents.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Chapter 2. Country Context
In order to better understand the complex dynamics that directly impact the lives of
children and women, a brief overview of the country profile and important contextual
references are presented in this chapter, including
The Gambia
some of the social, political and economic
Human Development Index Rankings
conditions that affect the rights of Children and HDI Ranking 168 out of 182
Life Expectancy 55.7 years
Women.
2.1. Geography
INSERT Map of The Gambia
2.1.1. Land and land tenure issues
With a total land area of only 10, 689 square
kilometres, The Gambia is the smallest country on
the African continent. The Gambia is made up of a
narrow strip of land approximately 400 kilometers
long and 30 kilometers wide, which lies on the
West Coast of Africa. The country forms an
enclave within Senegal with a small coast line
opening onto the Atlantic Ocean on the west. The
country’s low elevation put some of the areas such
as the capital, Banjul, at significant risk from any
rise in sea level.
Men 54.1
Women 57.3
Gross enrolment rate 46.8
U5 Mortality
Lowest wealth quintile 158
Highest wealth quintile 72
Urban Population 1990 38.3 % 2010 58.1 %t
GDP 2007 $1, 225
GDP growth rate 0.3 %
Health and Education
Government Expenditure on Health as percentage of
total govt expenditure
8.7 %
Government Expenditure on Education as percentage
of total govt expenditure 8.9 %
Gender
4 women in National Assembly
Ration of est. female to male income 63 (women
make 63 cent for every dollar men earn.)
GDI Ranking 141
Adult Literacy*
Women 38 percent **
Men 49.9 percent
Estimated earned income* (PPP US$)
Women $951
Men $1499
*In the absence of recent data, estimates for 2005 UNESCO
statistic were based on outdated census or survey
information and should be interpreted with caution.
** Literacy rate from EMIS
The Gambia’s main geographical feature from
which it derives its name is the Gambia River,
which runs through the entire country. Banjul, the
capital, is situated on an island at the estuary of the river. Formally, the river was used
to a large extent for the transportation of groundnuts, the main export crop of The
Gambia, from the rural areas where it is grown to the port area in Banjul for export.
Ownership of land in the Gambia is traditionally based on membership in a clan of
common decent by inheritance, communal holding and individual inheritance8. These
practices along with traditional inheritance laws, create an unequal distribution of land,
with predominant ownership by men or at the community level, which result in women
having access to land usage, but not ownership or control.
8
Government of The Gambia, ‘The Gambia National Gender Policy 2010- 2020’ GoTG.
15
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
2.1.2 Climate
The typically Sahelian climate in the Gambia is characterized by a long uninterrupted
dry season from November to May. Hot, humid weather predominates the rest of the
year, with a rainy season from June – October during which temperatures may rise as
high as 43 C. Rainfall in most parts of the country is about 1, 020 mm ranging from 800
mm in the East to 1, 700 mm in the west although a decrease in rainfall has been
witnessed in the past few years. Persistent years of drought in the 1970’s right through
to the 1980’s have exacerbated an already rapid rate of desertification, which is further
intensified by the increase in population. The North Bank of the river and the eastern
parts of the country are the worst affected by desertification. Population increase has
led to an increase in demand for food and housing with destruction of vegetation and
forest cover as natural outcomes.
Drought and increased desertification has also lead to a decrease in agricultural
production which has a direct impact on the income and food security of rural
households. This has resulted in increased rural – urban migration, which increases the
demand on basic services on an already crowded and over burdened urban population.
Global Climate change also affects regional weather patterns, which has an impact on
agricultural production, internal migration, poverty and food security in The Gambia. It is
difficult to summarily generalize the effects of climate change which need to be
measured over extended periods of time. (Climate change is addressed in more detail
in Chapter 8.)
2.1.3 Coastal and Soil Erosion
As a natural environmental condition and due in part to climate change, coastal and soil
erosion is one of the major issues that present an ongoing challenge to The Gambia
government. Coastal erosion, which directly impacts the tourist beach areas, is
estimated by the National Environmental Agency to be approximately two meters
annually.9
Soil erosion of arable land is another serious challenge that influences the level of
poverty and food security (both access and availability) in the country. Continuous or
over cropping and slash and burn agricultural techniques exacerbate the problem of soil
9
United Nations Statistics Division, ‘State of the Environment Statistics in The Gambia’,
http/unstats.un.org/unsd/ENVIRONMENT/gambia
16
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
erosion and sedimentation, and result in overgrazing in, or agricultural production on
marginal land areas10.
2.2. Demography
2.2.1. Ethnic groups
There are five distinct major groups that have various historical and cultural
backgrounds, speak different languages and co-exist with other minority groups:11. The
Mandinka form the largest ethnic group (36 percent ), the Fula, the second largest (22
percent ), the Wolof, the third largest (15 percent ) and the Jola are the fourth largest
(11 percent), and the smallest is the Serahule at 8 percent and the rest of the Gambian
population belong to much smaller ethnic groups such as the Serer, Creole, Manjago,
etc.
Chart 1: Total Population distribution by Ethnicity
Source: Population and Housing Census 2003
The strength of rich ethnic diversity as is demonstrated in The Gambia has contributed
to a unique national identify and culture which incorporates some of the best aspects of
the various ethnic groups. Nevertheless, there are a few traditional practices as
supported by some ethnic groups that restrict the rights of women and children. Harmful
traditional practices are further explored in Chapter Four.
2.2.2. Population size, density and age structure
According to the Population and Housing Census 2003, the population of The Gambia
is 1,364,507, with a growth rate of 2.77 percent from 1993 – 2003. Using this growth
rate, World Bank estimates that in 2010, the Gambian population will be 1,795,242 (an
10
United Nations Statistics Division, ‘State of the Environment Statistics in The Gambia’,
http/unstats.un.org/unsd/ENVIRONMENT/gambia
11
The ethnic breakdown does not include individuals of other nationalities who are currently residing in
The Gambia.
17
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
almost 25 percent increase in population). This substantial increase has implications
on the social service sector in regards to the equitable distribution of limited resources.
The Gambia is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa (8th most densely
populated), with a overall population density of 127 per square kilometer. Urban areas
are much more crowded than rural areas, with Banjul and Kanifing with population
densities of 2,867 and 4272 respectively. In comparison, rural areas have relatively low
population density levels, such as in Mansakonko - 45 per sq kilometer and 54 per sq
kilometer in Kuntaur.
There is a youthful population with 53 percent of the population less than twenty years
old. Women of reproductive ages (15 – 49 years old) make up 49.6 percent of the total
female population and there are slightly more women (50.6 percent ) than men (49.4
percent ).
Chart 2: Percentage Distribution by the Population by Age-group and Sex
N/S
65+
60 -64
55 -59
50 -54
45 -49
40 -44
Both Count
35 – 39
Female Count
30 – 34
Male Count
25-29
20 -24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
Source: Population and Housing Census 2003
As noted, the Gambia has a youthful population, with nearly 42 percent of the
population under the age of 15 years and 22 percent aged between 15 and 24 years
(2003 population census). This large proportion has unique needs and requirements
which have to be met in order to maximize their input into the development of the
country and to minimize the threat of social disorder. Health, sexuality, education and
18
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
employment are but a few of the areas of particular concern to this segment of the
population12. In the Gambian context, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, substance
abuse
and
unemployment
are
worthy
of
mention
as
they
inhibit
the realization of the full potential of young people.
Growth in the job market is not keeping pace with the high turn-over of school leavers
and as a result there is high unemployment among the youth. This provides further
evidence of the need to consider the youth population factor in economic development
strategies.
2.2.3. Household size and structure
Households in the Gambia average around eight (8.3) persons, with an average of 6.8
persons and 10.7 persons in urban and rural households, respectively. Basse has the
highest household size (14.2) and Banjul the lowest (4.8). Larger households in rural
areas can be partly attributed to the patriarchal nature of Gambia society where a
preference for a male child is prevalent and the common practice of polygamy which
tends to increase competition to produce children among the various wives.13
Table 3: Local Gov’t Area/Residence Household Size by LGA, 2003 Census
Hhld size
Banjul
5.6
Kanifing
6.3
Brikama
8.3
Mansakonko
8.3
Kerewan
9.2
Kuntaur
10.6
Janjanbureh
10.3
Basse
14.2
Urban*
6.8
Rural
10.7
Overall Average
8.3
Source: Population and Housing Census 2003
2.2.4. Population Policy
In 1992, the Government of The Gambia adopted a National Population Policy in
response to adverse economic conditions and rapid deforestation aggravated by high
The Daily Observer Newspaper, ‘Population and Employment’, The Daily Observer, November 2009.
Sagnia, ‘The Influences of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development Effectiveness in The Gambia’,
GoTG, August 2010, pg 37.
12
13
19
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
population growth. The policy, designed to curb the rapid rate of population growth, has
the overall goal of improving the quality of life and raising the standard of living of the
population. This policy was first revised in 1996 and then later in 2006 to reflect the
current demographic and socio-economic realities of the country.
The 2007-2015 Policy aims at addressing current population trends which are not
commensurate with sustainable socio-economic and environmental development. The
overall goals of the 2007-2015 National Population Policy are the same as those of the
1992 and 1996 policies, which sought to improve the quality of life by raising the
standard of living of the population. An attempt has been made to harmonise the
National Population Policy with other national policies, such as the National Education
Policy, the Gambia Environment Action Plan, the Housing, Health and Family Planning
policies.
Among the targets of the National Population Policy were:



Reduction of the maternal mortality rate from 1, 050 per 100, 000 live births
(1990) to 800 per 100, 000 live births by 2000 and to 500 per 100, 000 live births
by 2004.
Reduction of the total fertility rate from 6.0 in 1993 to 5.0 by 2004
Reduction of IMR from 84 per 1, 000 in 1993 to 72 per 1, 000 by 2000 and to 56
per 1, 000 by 2004
The most recent data on the above targets indicate that although well intentioned have
not been realized. The following table demonstrates that there are significant gaps in all
the policy targets.
Table 4: The Gambia Population Policy Target compared to Most Recent Data
Indicator
Maternal
Mortality Rate
Baseline for PP
1.050/100,000
Target of PP by 2004
500/100,000
Most recent data*
730/100,000
Total Fertility
6.0
5.0
5.4
Infant Mortality
Rate
84/1,000
56/1,000
93/1,000
Gaps
230100,000 or
32 percent
reduction needed
to meet target
0.4
8 percent
reduction needed
to meet target
37/1,000 or a 66
percent
reduction needed
to meet target
*Sources for Most Recent Data
MMR 733/100,000 – Prenatal, antenatal, postnatal and contraceptive use Study 2001
Fertility rate is 5.4 – Census 2003
IMR 93/1,000 - MICS 2005/06
20
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
2.3. Political Structure and System
The Gambia received independence from Britain in 1965. At that time, The Gambia had
a monarchical constitution until 1970 when it became a Republic, with a President as
Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The executive was further
enlarged by the appointment of a Vice President and Ministers selected by the
President from among the members of Parliament. The Vice President and Ministers
together made up the Cabinet. Parliament, to which legislative power of the Republic is
vested, consists of the President and fifty-one members who have the power to create
laws for peace and good governance. The Constitution went at length to create three
distinct arms of Government in accordance with the doctrine of separation of powers.
This parliamentary system of Government continued until July 1994 when a change of
power occurred in The Gambia. After three years of rule by decree, the Second
Republican Constitution came into being in 1997. This Second Republican Constitution
also upholds the doctrine of the separation of powers and makes provision for the
protection of fundamental human rights.
The structure of Government under the 1997 Constitution is one with an Executive
President and a Cabinet appointed from outside the National Assembly. The Legislature
is distinct from the Executive and National Assembly members can remove from office
members of the Executive, as a check on the powers. This authority also emphasises
the separation of powers between the arms of Government. The Vice President is the
first and longest serving female Vice President in Africa, which should set a precedence
for women’s political participation, yet the number of women in the National Assembly
and in local government positions is proportionately low. (Only four women members
out of 53 members of parliament. Of the four members, two were elected and two were
nominated by the President.) 14
The country is divided into eight administrative areas; six regions and two municipalities.
The six regions are the Central North, Central South, Lower River Region, Upper River
Region, North Bank Region and Western Region. Banjul and Kanifing are classified as
municipalities and are governed by an elected Mayor. The regions are governed by
Regional Governors who are appointed directly by the President. The six regions are
divided further into 36 Districts headed by Chiefs 15 , which are appointed by the
President. Prior to the constitution, Chieftaincy posts were governed by customary law.
14Women’s
Bureau, ‘Key Informant Interview’, October 2010.
The role of the District Chief is primarily to disseminate information and serve as head of District
Tribunals.
15
21
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Traditionally, eligibility for chieftaincy centered on land ownership, and as such women
were for the most part, excluded from eligibility. (There are 1873 male Akailos and only
5 women, there are no women who are currently serving as District Chiefs16.)
There are currently government efforts to decentralize authority in order to help ensure
that the provision of social services is more equitable, especially to rural areas. The
newly drafted PAGE Policy clearly outlines the goal of decentralization as one of the
major areas for intervention in order to accelerate decentralization to enhance the
autonomy of the local governments and make them more responsible for the provision
and financing of the basic social services.17
The 1997 Constitution, Section 33 Subsection (4), clearly prohibits all forms of
discrimination based on sex. The entrenched bill of rights does not afford protection for
any discrimination which stems from a person’s personal or customary law. Since the
personal or customary law of a majority of Gambians is not written and therefore not
easily ascertainable, this poses a serious restriction on the protection against
discrimination. Broad policy changes have also been introduced which require further
legislation for their implementation. The Constitution also makes provision for the
modification and review of laws which are inconsistent with it. This revision is yet to be
implemented.
2.4. Social Systems, Structure and Policies – focusing on specific issues related to
education, protection and health that affect children and women
2.4.1.1. Social Organization and family structure
The predominately patriarchal Gambia society and many cultural practices and
customary laws tend to place women and children in subordinate roles, and (and girls
and boys are assigned different roles. For mostly socio-cultural reasons, women and
children are not accorded the same status in society as men in regards to access to
control and ownership of productive assets, decision making and participation in
development activities.
Within the household structure, the husband is traditionally considered the head of the
family and takes responsibility for most of the decisions that affect the family, such as
how money is spent on education, health and the high expenditure items (bicycles,
radios, etc) Women traditionally have responsibility for the family welfare and provision
of daily meals, but they do not have equal access to, control and ownership of land
16
17
Women’s Bureau.
Government of The Gambia, ‘National Development Strategy 2012 – 2015’, 2010 and PAGE
22
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
under communal tenure system or private ownership, except through their fathers or
husbands. If this occurs, it is usually on a loan basis and must be returned18.
Some of the customary practices make women and children more vulnerable to
discrimination. For example, Islamic inheritance law as practiced favors males to
females on a 2 to 1 ratio. Men who choose to divorce their wives, at times may place
them in a precarious situation, with little or no rights to the family home or keeping her
children. Girls are especially vulnerable to discriminatory practices such as early
marriage and FGM/C. The Women’s Act 2010 addresses some of these issues such as
inheritance, divorce and FGM/C. Yet the inclusion of the phrase ‘unless customary law
applies’ tends to dilute or even negate the intent of legislation on these issues.
In urban areas, the household which is smaller than in rural areas19 is structured around
the nuclear family structure, usually consisting of one family unit or an extended family
unit. EXPAND
2.4.1.2. Role of children and women in social organization
As outlined, under Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, men and women are accorded full and
equal rights. However, women do experience discrimination and inequality, which is
largely due to the traditionally patriarchal social structure of The Gambia. Traditional
roles of women are recognized, and have been reinforced by the patriarchal nature of
the Gambian society. Gambia is based on a dual legal system: the civil law inspired by
the British system and the Islamic Sharia. Provisions in Sharia related to marriage, such
as divorce and inheritance apply within the legal context.
In general, Gambians live in large households, which are reflective of the extended
family. At the community level, the Kabilio system exists, which is a cluster of
households that have biological or social links and which are usually headed by a male
clan leader. Women usually have submissive roles within the Kabilio structural unit,
although this is changing as there are five women Akailos 20. Children are afforded
degrees of protection which stem from living in a family unit as structured within the
family and Kabilio system21.
‘The Influences of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development Effectiveness in The Gambia’,
GoTG, August 2010.
19
Government of The Gambia, ‘PHC 2003’, approximately seven persons per household in urban areas
and eleven in rural households.
20 Women’s Bureau, ‘Key Informant Interview’, October 2010.
21
International Federation of Human Rights, ‘Note on the Situation of Women in The Gambia’, FIDH, July
2005.
18Sagnia,
23
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
There are also village economic structures exist as well on the community level which
are comprised of both men and women and are responsible for …
Decision Making
Children and Youth participants in the RTDs expressed frustration at the fact that they
had little influence in decision making at home, in the community or in school. While
children are accorded representation on School Management Committees, the level of
input they contribution is questionable due to the subordinate role children have in the
company of adults. Women’s groups in the RTDs and FGDs also attributed a lack of
input into the decision making process as one of the key causes for many of the
problems identified such as male dominated land ownership, a disparity in political
power and rights, issue regarding sex, fertility and the number and spacing of children,
and inequitable decision making that affect the household spending.
Marriage and Divorce
There are four forms of marriage: Christian marriages, Mohammedan marriages which
are governed by Sharia law, civil marriages and customary marriages 22 . The 1997
Constitution states that all marriages shall be between women and men of full capacity
and based on the free and full consent of the intended parties except under customary
law where the idea of child betrothal still exists. As the Gambia is predominantly Muslim
(95 percent), the vast majority of Gambian women are governed by customary and
Sharia law through their family relationships.
Polygamy is practiced and also permissible under Sharia law, which allows Muslim men
to take up to four wives. The wives have the option to divorce, and under customary law
should be informed by the husband of subsequent marriage, but no legal right to
approve of further marriages.
During the RTDs, some participants from the women’s group expressed concern over
the liberalization of divorce laws, stating that ‘it was too easy to divorce’ and that this
was leading to the ‘denigration of the social structure’. Other participants during the
same RTD said that the laws gave women more freedom to leave marriages that were
not working well.
Inheritance laws
International Federation of Human Rights, ‘Note on the Situation of Women in The Gambia’, FIDH, July
2005.
22
24
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Islamic Sharia has detailed and complex calculations for inheritance shares. A woman
may inherit from her father, her mother, her husband, her children, and under certain
conditions, from other members of her family, but her share is generally only around half
of a man’s entitlement23.
Land ownership
In the Gambia, most communities adhere to traditional Land Tenure System and as a
result women do not have full control over the use and ownership of land, but are
allowed to use the land for agricultural purpose. Men maintain ultimate control of the
land and are primarily involved in cash crop production such as Groundnut, Coos and
Millet. Women produce 80 percent of vegetables and 99 percent of the staple food, Rice.
Both men and women are involved in fish processing and livestock rearing. Women’s
access to credit has improved but still below that of men. In some situations, particularly
in the rural areas, a woman may access credit, but do not control its use indicating the
existence of socio –cultural barriers24.
Due to primarily to traditional practices, the majority of land in The Gambia is owned by
men or village structures. The implications of this disparity impact the economic status
of women and their ability to access credit, which again limits their economic
opportunities.
According to research carried out at the University of The Gambia, The lack of
appropriate technology, irrigation facilities and their low level of participation in decision
making, hence there is a need to allocate land to women to expand the economic and
commercial activities for them to be empowered economically25.
Access to Credit
Laws do not discriminate in the area of access to bank loans or credit facilities. In theory,
a woman is entitled to borrow money from a financial institution once she meets the
conditions set forth by the financial institution. However there are a number of obstacles
faced by women. Most financial institutions will not grant credit facilities to any person
unless that person has an adequate security or collateral. In most cases, they will insist
on property in the form of land as security or collateral. And since access to land is
International Federation of Human Rights, ‘Note on the Situation of Women in The Gambia’, FIDH, July
2005.
24 Government of The Gambia, ‘The Gambian National Gender Policy 2010-2020’.
25 University of The Gambia, Research Findings by Mrs. D’Almeida, Senior Lecturer, University of The
Gambia, 2009.
23
25
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
problematic for women in the Gambia, women (especially rural women) have limited
access to credit or loans.
2.4.1.2. Economic roles and institutions
Women’s control over household spending
Trade policies, like any other economic policy, are likely to have gender differentiated
effects because of women’s and men’s different access to, and control over, resources,
and because of their different roles in both the market economy and the household.
Gender inequalities have various dimensions. Macro-level analysis involves examining
the gender division of the labor force between the different productive market sectors
and the reproductive sectors. Meso level analysis looks at the institutions that help
structure the distribution of resources and activities at the micro-level. It involves
examining gender inequalities in public provision as well as gender biases in the rules of
operation of labor, commodity and other markets. Micro-level analysis examines in
greater detail the gender division of labor, resources and decision-making, particularly
within the household. It is the latter we concentrate on here.
By changing employment opportunities and earnings patterns of women and men, trade
liberalization is likely to influence the allocation of time and resources among household
members. For example, an increase in the market value of a woman’s time that would
prove profitable and add to the family income may lead her to spend more time on
market-oriented activities. At the same time, this cash incentive may motivate the
husband to reallocate some of his time into domestic work or other non-paid activities.
Which food and non-food items are purchased, in what quantities, and how these are
distributed among household members, will also be affected by who earns the income.
Since women and men, younger and older people, have different needs and
preferences (for example, for health care and nutrition) reallocation of both time and
consumption goods will differently affect their welfare.
Household spending patterns
The following table indicates that both men and women spend the majority of income on
food as the top priority, with farming, education and health expenditures following. While
the information gathered indicates where household income is spent, it does not reveal
who has made the decision as to how and on what it is spent. Unfortunately this
information is not available.
Chart Household Expenditure Categories in The Gambia disaggregated by Sex
26
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Total Mean
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Farming
Business
Health
Education
Food
Ceremonies
Travel
Clothing
Farming
Business
Health
Education
Food
Ceremonies
Travel
Clothing
Total Mean
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
Source: A Socioeconomic Study on Gender Dynamics in the Household and the
Communities: Gender – Related Aspects of Household and Community Resource
Allocation and their Impact on Agricultural Production, Marketing and Household Food
Security, CRS
In the Gambia, cultural practices tend to militate against women’s control of cash
income thereby contributing to household food insecurity. Women face low nutritional
status at household level compared to men, despite the fact that, they are the main
producers and processors of food. Some of these traditional practices also force women
to deny themselves food in the right quantity and quality in favor of male adults and
children. In most cases this seriously compromises their nutritional status26.
2.4.1.3. Influence of Religion
The Gambia is predominantly Muslim (approximately 95 percent ). The application of
both civil law (based on the British system) and the Islamic Sharia law directly impacts
the rights of women and children. Provisions under Sharia law related to marriage such
as divorce and inheritance, which can often favor men, are routinely applied within the
legal context in The Gambia.
Islam has a powerful influence particularly in uniting various peoples in the country
across cultural and ethnic barriers. Islamic principles, customs, beliefs and codes of
behaviour are widespread and affect almost every aspect of life in The Gambia for
Muslims.
26
‘Gender Profile’, 2008.
27
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Perhaps one of the reasons Islam has been so readily accommodated in the
Senegambia region is its harmonisation with traditional African beliefs and values
particularly regarding gender roles. Like traditional conceptions of gender discussed
previously, Islam places significant emphasis on the responsibility of the man to protect
and provide for the material upkeep of his wife and children and the responsibility of the
woman to provide the necessary care and to nurture her husband and children.27 More
important, Islam permits polygamy, albeit under specific conditions, which was an
established custom among the various ethnic groups in the region28.
Although The Gambia is mostly Muslim, there is a strong Christian influence in areas
such as civil law (based on Canon Law that has it’s origins from the Bible), and the
Gambia education system, which is further outlined below.
2.4.2. National Structures, Systems and Policies
2.4.2.1. Education
The Gambia education system follows a 6-3-3-4 cycle as per the following table.
Table 5: Gambia Education Structure
Education level
Years of study/age
Certificate/Exam/Degree
Lower Basic School
6 years/ages 7–13
Grade six Placement Exam has been phased out
Upper Basic School
3 years/ages 13–16
Basic Education Certificate Exam
Senior Secondary School
3 years/ages 16–19
West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination
(WASSCE)
University (undergrad)
4 years
Bachelor’s degree
University (grad)
1+ years
Master’s degree
While the official language of instruction throughout the Gambian educational system is
English, the majority of students, especially in rural areas do not speak English when
entering primary school. This can create a particularly challenging learning environment
for both teachers and students, as students must learn English while simultaneously
learning basic subject matter.
27
Certain groups of Muslims do not adhere to these beliefs.
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘The Situation of Children and Women in The Gambia’, GoTG,
UNICEF, Nov. 2001.
28
28
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Lower Basic and Upper Basic Schools (Grades 1-9): Until 2002, primary education
lasted for six years and led to the Primary School Leaving Certificate (phased out).
Secondary education was divided into junior secondary schools, which offered a threeyear course leading to the Junior School Leaving Certificate, and Senior Secondary
schools which offered a three-year course.
Since 2002, a new unified basic education system was introduced covering 1-9 years,
through an automatic transition with no examination at the end of the lower basic cycle.
The cycle is divided into two cycles: lower basic (Grades I–VI) and upper basic (Grades
VII–IX). There are 368 Lower basic schools and 89 Upper basic schools in the Gambia.
There is another type of school system called the basic cycle schools which is a
combination of the lower and upper basic school (grades 1-9). All Gambian students
take the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at the end of grade 9 (ninth
grade) in nine or ten subjects. Admission to Senior Secondary/High School is
competitive. The vast majority of Gambian students attend government schools (75
percent ); there are a growing number of private and international private secondary
schools in the country offering Cambridge IGCSE/ O Levels or the Government’s
WASSCE.
Table 6: Number of Schools in The Gambia
Total Number of Schools
Age
group 574
percent of Total
Total Number of Basic Cycle School
(combination of the lower and upper Basic
School)
7-19
62
11 percent
Total Number of Lower Basic Schools
7-13 368
64 percent
Total Number of Upper Basic Schools
13-19
89
16 percent
Total Number of Senior Secondary School
16-19
55
10 percent
Source: National Statistic Abstract, Academic year 2006/2007
Provisions for most vulnerable populations
As outlined in the National Education Policy (2004-2015), the Gambian education
system is premised on a non-discriminatory and all-inclusive provision of education,
which emphasises gender equity and targeting of the poor and disadvantaged groups29.
29
Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’ , July 2009, pg. 34
29
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Nevertheless, the majority of secondary schools are located in urban or peri - urban
areas which significantly limits the opportunity for rural children to attend post primary
education institutions, which will also result in limiting future economic status and
employment opportunities to higher paying jobs which require secondary or post
secondary education. As shown in the chart below, there are XXX fewer secondary
schools in rural areas.
ADD geographical distribution Chart
Education Policy 2004-2015
The aims and objectives of education in The Gambia are in line with the educationrelated Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Education for All (EFA) goals, the New
Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) education-related goals and the
country's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). The policy priorities are identified
to allow for the growth of educational opportunities and improve the effectiveness of
education at all levels, from early childhood development (ECD) to higher education.
While other national policies have set quantitative targets which might be easier to
measure, the education policy sets general policy goals which if successful will result in
a holistic education system developing the student in terms of knowledge, skills and civil
responsibility.
The basic aims of the Education Policy are:
1. To promote a broad-based education at the basic level for lifelong learning and
training.
2. To mainstream gender in the creation of opportunities for all to acquire literacy,
livelihood skills and the utilization of these skills in order to earn a living and
become economically self-reliant members of the communities.
3. To develop the physical and mental skills, which will contribute to nation building
- economically, socially and culturally in a sustainable environment?
4. To encourage creativity and the development of a critical and analytical mind.
5. To further an understanding and appreciation of the contribution of science and
technology to development.
6. To cultivate sound moral and ethical values in the development of life skills.
7. To develop a healthy body and an appreciation of the value of a healthy mind in
response to life threatening diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
8. To create an awareness of the importance of peace, democracy and human
rights, duties and responsibilities of the individual in fostering these qualities.
9. To foster an appreciation of and respect for the cultural heritage of The Gambia.
10. To promote a sense of patriotism: service, loyalty, integrity and dedication to the
nation and humanity
30
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Considering the high population growth rate, the cost of education in relation to the poor
and the current share of education in the government budget, the policy has been
prioritized in the following five components aimed at providing equitable access to high
quality education to the population of the country: Access to Education; Quality
Education; Vocational and Technical Education; Tertiary and Higher Education.
There have been factors that indicate a successful implementation of the policy such as
a good working relationship between the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education
(MoBSE) and partners, a well defined organization structure, a focused policy
framework, strong coordination mechanisms, and strong political and donor support to
the education sector. For example, the education sector has received significant funding
from Education for All, and Fast Track Initiative Funding, as well as World Bank, the
African Development Bank, and DfID education programming funds, which are
channeled through the SWAP.30
Challenges
In spite of some of the successes, there are some challenges which still afflict the sector.
These challenges focus on the overall goals of access, quality, resources and
management. While gender parity has been realized in primary schools, there are still
some disparities between boys and girls in enrolment, retention and performance at
senior secondary level. The retention of qualified teachers and other important
personnel remains difficult. The education sector is limited by insufficient financial
resources. These challenges have not been properly addressed by the policy and the
strategic plan, and result to a gap in the achievement of children’s rights in the
education sector.31
The relevance of the curriculum is another challenge that needs to be addressed in
order to ensure the provision of relevant skills and knowledge for the ever changing
economic and employment environment.
2.4.2.2. Health
The Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy was introduced in 1979 as a government
response to some of the many challenges which affect the provision of quality of health
care.
30
31
Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’, July 2009.
Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’, July 2009.
31
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The PHC strategy aims to improve access and affordability of heath care throughout the
Gambia. One of the key components of the PHC in improving access and affordability is
to target villages and communities with populations of over 400. For each PHC village, a
village health worker (VHW) and a traditional birth attendant (TBA) are trained to
provide basic health services in the community. There are currently 546 PHC villages in
the Gambia and five governmental hospitals located in Banjul, Bwiam, Farafenni, Basse
and Bansang. The Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) located in Banjul is the
main referral hospital with specialist consulting services.
Table 7: Health Care Structure
Hospitals
Public Health Facilities
Public Health Care Communities
Within the Public Health Care Strategy
Key Villages
Village Clinics
Reproductive Outreach
Community Owned Clinics
NGO Clinics
Private Clinics
5
43
546
70
23
280
18
22
19
Health Research
With a changing trend in disease patterns and low uptakes of effective health services
and with subsequent poor health outcomes it was recognized that there was a need to
use objective data and information to guide decision making within the health system. It
was also recognized that challenges in the social sector for example issues around
water and sanitation and inadequate nutrition also had an impact on health. Adopting
this holistic approach to health the process of developing a National Research Policy
began in 2005. In 2008 the National Health Research Policy was finalized the goal of
which is to establish an effective, credible and sustainable health research system in
The Gambia based on sound ethical principles. In October 2010 the National health
research Strategic plan was presented to a wide range of national
stakeholders.(National Health Research Strategic Plan 2010-2014).
Health Policy
The National Health Policy Framework, 2007-2020, “Health is Wealth”, seeks to
address the common health desires of the population through a number of initiatives
both in the area of preventive and curative health services. With a vision to improve the
32
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
health of all Gambians with a per capita income of US$ 1,500 by 2020 32, the policy has
a mission to promote and protect the health of the population. It seeks to promote equity
in access and affordability of quality services, maintain ethics and standards, promote
health system reforms, and improve staff retention and client satisfaction.
Cognizant of the multi-dimensional nature of health and the potential for health status to
be influenced by a variety of factors, a number of areas have been identified in the
policy that would collectively have the potential to impact on the health status. Under the
current policy, areas identified for interventions relate to health care programmes and
clinical care delivery, health system strengthening and capacity development, and
technical support services. The policy recognizes the need for community participation
and the contribution of traditional medicine to the attainment of the national health
goals.
Provisions for most vulnerable populations
The policy provides for the accessibility and affordability of quality services at point of
demand, especially for Women and Children, for the marginalised and poor, irrespective
of political, national, ethnic or religious affiliations. According to the policy the population
should access twenty-four hour quality essential services 33. Fee free health services are
provided for all children under five including birth registration and for ante - natal
services for pregnant women.
The major targets of the health policy have been identified as follows:
1. To reduce infant mortality rate from 75 per 1000 to 28 per 1000 by 2015
2. To reduce under-5 mortality rate from 99 per 1000 t0 43 per 1000 by 2015
3. To reduce maternal mortality ratio from 730 per 100,000 to 150 per 100,000 by
2015
4. To increase life expectancy at the national level to from 63.4 to 69 years by 2015
5. To increase life expectancy for women from 65 years to 70 years by 2015
6. To increase life expectancy for men from 62.4 years to 68 years by 2015
7. To reduce malaria incidence by 50 percent by 2015
8. To reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence (HIV 1 from 1.1 percent to 0.5 percent and
HIV 2 from 0.7 percent to 0,1 percent by 2015)
9. To reduce total fertility rate from 5.4 to 4.6 by 2015
10. To reduce tuberculosis incidence rate from 120 per 100,000 to 60 per 100,000 by
2015
11. To reduce morbidity due to non communicable diseases by 10 percent by 2015
(2007 base)
32
33
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’, GoTG, UNICEF, WB.
Chikova, ‘OVC and Social Policy’, 2010, pg. 32.
33
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
12. To reduce morbidity due to other communicable diseases by 50 percent (2007
base)
Table 8: Health Policy Goals in Comparison with Most Recent Statistics
Health Policy Goal
Most recent
Gaps
data
65 pts or a
To reduce infant mortality rate from 75 per 1000 93/1,000
-70
percent
to 28 per 1000 by 2015
(MICS
change needed
2005/06)
To reduce under-5 mortality rate from 99 per
1000 t0 43 per 1000 by 2015
To reduce maternal mortality ratio from 730 per
100,000 to 150 per 100,000 by 2015
131/1,000
(MICS
2005/06)
730/100,000
(MMS)
To increase life expectancy at the national level
to from 63.4 to 69 years by 2015
55
(HDR 2009)
To increase life expectancy for women from 65
years to 70 years by 2015
55.3
(HDR 2009)
To increase life expectancy for men from 62.4
years to 68 years by 2015
54.1
(HDR 2009)
To reduce malaria incidence by 50 percent by
2015
Data pending
To reduce total fertility rate from 5.4 to 4.6 by
2015
5.4
(Census 2003)
To reduce tuberculosis incidence rate from 120
per 100,000 to 60 per 100,000 by 2015
Data pending
To reduce morbidity due to non communicable
diseases by 10 percent by 2015 (2007 base)
Data pending
To reduce morbidity due to other communicable
diseases by 50 percent (2007 base)
Data pending
88 pts or a
-67
percent
change needed
580 pts or a
-79
percent
change needed
14 pts or -25
percent
changed
needed
12.7 pts or a
-22
percent
changed
needed
13.9 pts or a
– 26 percent
changed
needed
0.8 pt or a – 8
changed
needed
34
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Challenges
Some of these challenges, which continue to impact the health sector are a high
population growth, a high attrition rate of skilled workers, inadequate financial and
logistic support, and the lack of an efficient and effective referral system.
There is no co-ordinated, monitoring and evaluation system to measure the
performance of the policy; and planning for improvements is a challenge. There should
also be in place a collaboration and co-ordination system for the sector so that
programmes will not overlap. The policy should consider the issues of OVC when they
visit the public health facilities34. It should be clearly mentioned that Reproductive Child
Health services for OVC groups are free of charge.
When abuses, like rape, happen to children the health institutions are usually the first
port of call. The policy should mention services to be provided for such cases. As a
sectoral policy, it should mention how programmes for children and women at the health
facilities are to be strengthened, as these facilities serve as entry points for HIV
screening, identification of OVC and vulnerable children, identification of children at risk
of abuse and victims of violence and exploitation35.
There are some general challenges in the health sector which are listed as follows.






An overall weak Primary Health Care System
Lack of an overarching coordinating mechanism such as SWaP, as is used in the
education sector
Focus on curative rather than preventive care
Low retention of qualified heath workers in the provision of health care
The lack of a progressive Health Education Promotion Policy to guide or direct
important health education activities
Under the umbrella of the Health Sector, there was a Social Welfare policy,
which was drafted but has yet to be approved. This policy would help to ensure
that minimum standards are established, and that directives for important child
protection issues are established and monitored, with ensuing penalties for
violating child rights.
Nutrition
34
35
Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’, July 2009.
Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’, July 2009.
35
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) was established in 2005 by the National
Assembly as a coordinating all nutrition and nutrition related activities in The Gambia.
Since its inception there have been many achievements made such as developing a
Food Act 2005 which led to the regulation regarding breastfeeding, food fortification and
salt iodinization , promotion of child feeding practices, the design and implementation of
Child Friendly Hospitals and Community Initiatives for the prevention of malnutrition.
National Nutrition Policy 2010 – 2020
NaNA is responsible for the implementation of the 2010 – 2020 National Nutrition
Policy. The goal of the policy is to attain optimal nutritional requirements of the Gambian
population, to assure a healthy and sustainable livelihood. The policy seeks to address
the following interventions.
1. Improving maternal nutrition
2. Promoting optimal infant and young child feeding
3. Food and nutrition security at national, community and household levels,
4. Preventing micronutrient malnutrition
5. Improving food standards, quality and safety
6. Nutrition and infectious diseases
7. Preventing and managing diet – related non communicable diseases
8. Caring for the socio- economically deprived and nutritionally vulnerable
9. Nutrition and HIV/AIDS
10. Nutrition in emergency situations
11. Nutrition Surveillance
12. Promoting effective nutrition education
13. Mainstreaming nutrition into development policies, strategies and programmes
14. Policy implementation framework
A key factor in the strategies to attain the policy objectives is an intensive information,
education and communication (IEC) programme aimed at sensitizing stakeholders to
the critical roles in the successful implementation of programmes identified to meet
policy objectives36.
Water and Sanitation
According to the MICS 2005/06, 85 percent of Gambians use improved drinking water
sources and 84 percent use improved sanitation facilities. The quality and source of
water and sanitation facilities vary among urban and rural, and wealthy and poor
households. For example, 95 percent of the wealthiest households have access to
improved sources of drinking water, yet only 82 percent of poorest households have this
36
Government of The Gambia, ‘National Nutrition Policy (DRAFT) (2010- 2020)’, 2009.
36
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
same access. In urban areas of Banjul and Kanifing, piped - in water is the most
common source of drinking water, while in rural areas, only 10 percent of drinking water
is piped. The most common purification method for drinking water in rural areas is
straining water which has been collected from a well (protected or unprotected) through
a cloth (35 percent in Janajngbureh, and only 2 percent in Banjul).
Eighty – four percent of the population sampled for the MICS 2005/06 have use
improved sanitation facilities. The type and use of improved sanitation facilities is
strongly correlated with wealth and varies greatly between urban and rural populations.
In rural areas, pit latrines37 are the most common form of improved sanitation, while in
the urban areas, flush toilets are the most common.
Water Policy
The Water Policy in The Gambia was developed in a consultative manner and builds
upon other international water declarations and policies such as the Dublin Statement
1992 and the MDGs. It was drafted and approved, with presidential endorsement in
2006. The overall objectives of the Water Policy are listed below.
1. Acknowledges that access to water is a common right, which is held in trust by
the Government on behalf of the people of The Gambia
2. Involves people and places them at the centre of the process, consults widely
with stakeholders to achieve the Policy objectives, and builds consensus
3. Places environmental protection and the preservation of the country’s ecological
heritage at the forefront of development
4. Defines the necessary administrative structures and defines the procedures
required to implement the Policy
5. Outlines the precepts, scope and time scale for a new Water Resources Strategy,
which will provide the Policy’s implementation platform
6. Establishes a sound technical rational for managing water resources
underpinned by verifiable information, and sound quantifiable hydrometeorological and hydrogeological data
7. Recommends a set of IWRM instruments for assessing and quantifying the
available river basin yield (surface and subsurface) for a range of climatic
scenarios
8. Describes a process whereby demand can be balanced against available
resources, and a framework developed within which equitable and sustainable
decisions can be taken on water allocation
9. Provides a long term humanitarian vision for water resources management and
development maximising the use of social capital
37
Pit latrines are not considered an improved or adequately clean method of sanitation.
37
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
10. Requires transparency and accountability of those responsible for the
custodianship of the country’s water resources
The policy outlines the responsibilities of other Gambian agencies in the promotion and
provision of water, and outlines that coordination between water and sanitation should
be “accepted that no water supply scheme should be implemented without a parallel or
complementary sanitation intervention”38.
There are some identified gaps in the Water Policy, which include the lack of a strategic
plan for the implementation of proposed strategies and specific measures. While
sanitation is mentioned, the policy is relatively weak on outlining the complementary
roles that exist between water and sanitation. Importantly the revised Water Bill has yet
to pass through the National Assembly.
National Sanitation Policy (DRAFT)
The Draft National Sanitation Policy recognizes that access to basic sanitation is a
human right with an overall vision of ‘Improved Sanitation Services for All’. The specific
targets identified for the provision of safe water and sanitation services are as follows:
1. All people in The Gambia have access to a functioning basic quality water supply by
2015. The use of unprotected wells is avoided. Besides, the distance to the source
of water should not exceed 200 metres.
2. All people in The Gambia have access to functioning basic quality sanitation facilities
by 2015.
3. 70 percent of households have access to basic sanitation facility know-how to
practice safe sanitation by 2015.
4. All schools have adequate/safe water supply and sanitation facilities by 2015
5. All clinics/health facilities have adequate and safe water supply and sanitation
services by 2015.
6. Hygiene education and wise use of water are taught in all schools including the
Madrassas by 2010.
7. Free basic water policy is implemented in all local government authorities by 2011.
8. Free basic sanitation policy is implemented in all local government authorities by
2013.
9. Sanitation Policy is adopted and implemented by 2011.
10. Sanitation coordinating structures are established and functional by 2013.
GoTG, ‘National Water Policy’, Department of State for Fisheries and Water Resources, GoTG, July
2006
38
38
Sanitation & Hygiene Policy Principles
National Sanitation Policy
Sanitation and hygiene are essential for healthy living and for
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
sustaining a productive society.
1.
Awareness and knowledge are key to behaviour change
in sanitation.
2.
Carrying the costs of sanitation: polluter-pays-principle
should be applied.
3.
Access to safe water supply and sanitation are a
fundamental human right.
4.
There should be a multi-sectoral approach to sanitation.
5.
Achieving equity and gender sensitivity is a priority.
6.
The private sector should be more involved in the
provision of sanitary services.
7.
Integrated socioeconomic development
respectful of environmental integrity
preservation of our life-support system.
8.
Sanitation concepts should be developed under
consideration of community participation and social
intermediation.
9.
Strategies should build on what exists and is in demand,
including indigenous knowledge, diversity of religious
and cultural practices.
must be
and the
The National Sanitation Policy, GoTG
2010
11. Community Led Total Sanitation
(CLTS) is implemented to eliminate
open field defecation.
Provisions
for
most
vulnerable
populations
Affordability of sanitation facilities by
households is an issue particularly in
the rural areas. Fundamentally, people’s
access to potable water and basic
sanitation needs to be seen as a human
right. In ensuring adequate supply of
communities, water and sanitation
infrastructure ladders should be set,
which take into consideration financial
capacities of councils and levels of
poverty of households.
Some of the gaps of the newly developed sanitation policy are that it has yet to be
approved by the cabinet. Additionally, the Public Health Act which serves as the
legislative framework for the implementation of the policy has not been finalised. And
finally the established targets are ambitious within the current socio – economic country
situation.
2.4.2.3. Judicial
As previously outlined, the judicial system in The Gambia recognises customary, Sharia
and common or general law. Customary law covers, for example, traditional marriage,
divorce and family matters, inheritance, land tenure and tribal and clan leadership.
Sharia law, which has to some extent displaced customary law, is observed primarily in
Muslim marriage, family and inheritance matters. Common law, following the English
model, provides the residual law. Trials are public and defendants have the right to legal
representation at their own cost.
The subordinate courts consist of the Cadi (or Khadi) courts (proceedings of which are
in Arabic), district tribunals and magistrate’s courts. The Cadi courts have jurisdiction to
apply the Shari’a in matters of marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance where
the parties or other interested parties are Muslims. A panel consisting of the Cadi and
two other scholars of the Sharia preside at hearings at first instance. Appeals against
decisions of Cadi courts are made to the High Court. The Cadi Court in the capital,
39
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Banjul, was constituted in 1905 and is one of only a handful of Muslim Courts
established under British rule throughout the world. It is one of two such courts in The
Gambia; the other is located in Kanifing some ten miles outside the capital.
Situation as of December 2001 to be updated
Thirty districts tribunals and magistrate’s courts have jurisdiction to hear less serious
criminal and civil proceedings. District tribunals are located in the five administrative
centres of the country and deal with matters under traditional laws and custom. There
are eight magistrate’s courts, the largest being at Kanifing where several hundred civil
and criminal cases are heard each month. Many cases heard by magistrates are
noncontentious and are disposed of within a day.
The superior courts consist of the High Court, the Gambia Court of Appeal and the
Supreme Court. The High Court (known as the Supreme Court before 1997) is normally
constituted by a single High Court judge. Three judges sit in treason trials. The High
Court has original jurisdiction to hear and determine all civil and criminal proceedings
and to interpret and enforce the fundamental rights and freedoms provided by the
Constitution. It also has jurisdiction in appeals from subordinate courts, and it has
supervising jurisdiction over all lower courts and adjudicating authorities.
A complex network of relationships exists between the judicial system and a range of
agencies and stakeholders. These agencies and stakeholders include the Department
of State (or Ministry) for Justice, the Police, the Prison Service, Parliament, the legal
profession and civil society. Each agency has its own records and information needs,
but the Judiciary’s records and information management systems must also meet
requirements for information proved to, received from, and coordinated and shared with
these other stakeholders.
Juvenile Justice System
The Juvenile Justice System (JJS) in The Gambia consists of a network of agencies
that deal with juveniles who are in contact/ conflict with the law. These agencies include
the children’s court in Kanifing, Department of Social Welfare, the Police, and Juvenile
Wing at Jeshwang Prison and the child rights unit at the Ministry of Justice. The
responsibility of these actors is to protect the rights of children in contact or conflict with
law at every stage of the Juvenile Justice process, in line with the Children’s Act 2005
40
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 39 . (The JJS is further detailed in
Chapter Four.)
2.5. Economy
2.5.1. Macro Economic Situation
Over the past two decades, the growth rate of per capita income has been subject to
wide fluctuations that continue to the present day. Because of the volatility of economic
growth, it is helpful to estimate a long-run growth trend in order to assess the underlying
economic trajectory hidden by short-run fluctuations. The long-run trend reveals
reasonably strong economic performance in the early 1970s. However, beginning in the
mid-1970s, The Gambia entered a period of declining growth rates for nearly two
decades40 and over the past 10 years, there is evidence of a turn-around despite the
dramatic drop in economic growth in 2002, when groundnut production fell significantly
due to crop failure41. Currently, long-run growth rates are among the highest in The
Gambia’s post-independence history42.
Estimates of gross investment in fixed capital suggest that productive investment has
remained steady as a share of GDP during the past two decades43. Gross investment
as a percent of GDP has hovered around 20 percent during much of this period.
Interestingly, investment as a share of GDP does not show an upward trend during the
past 10 years despite the noticeable improvement in the long-run per capita GDP
growth rate. Therefore, improvements in GDP growth were not driven by higher rates of
fixed capital investment44. Estimates of the level of domestic savings almost always fall
significantly below the level of domestic investment. This indicates that, throughout its
post-independence history, The Gambia has relied on foreign savings to support its
domestic investment45. Although the saving gap appears to have narrowed somewhat in
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Situation of the Juvenile System in The Gambia’, UNICEF, 2010.
Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Annual Report 2007’.
41 Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘MRC Press Release’, Feb 24 2010.
42 Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Annual Report 2007’.
43 Ford N., ‘Reforms reap strong growth: several years of painful economic reform now seem to be
bearing fruit and The Gambia and its economy has been growing steadily’, African Business, Jan 2009.
39
40
44
International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology,
‘MIS Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Three Case Studies from The Gambia’, 2008.
Heintz J, Oya C, Zepeda C., ‘Towards an Employment-centred Development Strategy for Poverty
Reduction in The Gambia: Macroeconomic and Labour Market Aspects’, http://www.ipcundp.org/pub/IPCCountryStudy16.pdf, 2008.
45
41
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
recent years, capital accumulation in the country continues to depend on foreign
savings.
The Gambian economy relies on foreign resources—
foreign savings to finance domestic investment, imported
capital goods, external borrowing, and official development
assistance (ODA). Managing the external balance of
payments is therefore central to overall economic
performance. The Gambia has a pronounced current
account deficit which is partially off-set by ODA transfers.
The current account deficit appears to be structural—that is,
it persists over time and is not caused by short-term
movements in inflows and outflows46.
Economic Statistics
The Gambia
Total GDP is $881 Million USD
Per capita GNP is $440 USD
Poverty Headcount is 61 .3 percent .
External debt as a percentage of GNI is
65.1 percent .
Annual Growth Rate 5.9 percent
Source: World Bank
One contributing factor is The Gambia’s reliance on imported commodities and the
absence of strong export performance, creating a structural trade deficit. Both the trade
deficit and the current account deficit increased significantly from 2001 to 2005.
However, a large portion of this increase is most likely temporary. The Gambia received
unprecedented inflows of foreign direct investment which were accompanied by large
increases in imports in 2004 and 2005 (e.g., building materials for investment in new
foreign owned hotels). In this case, the growth in the current account deficit was
financed by FDI inflows rather than greater borrowing47.
As already mentioned, there are indications that economic performance has been
improving in recent times: per capita growth is higher, agricultural productivity shows
signs of recovery, and foreign direct investment—not simply debt and ODA—has
supplied much needed external financial resources. However, the Gambian economy is
volatile and gains may disappear as quickly as they are realized. Therefore,
macroeconomic policies must support sustainable development in The Gambia if longterm benefits are to be realized.
2.5.2. GDP and Growth
The Gambia has a small economy with total GDP of less than a billion US dollars (881
million in 2009) and the three big components are agriculture (34 percent of GDP and
over 70 percent of employment), tourism (44 percent of GDP but less than 10 percent of
46
47
Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Annual Report 2007’.
Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Monitoring Policy Committee Press Release’, Feb 24 2010.
42
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
employment) and re-exporting (due to Banjul Ports Authority) which makes up just over
10 percent of GDP48.
Growth has been steadily rising over the past five years averaging just over 5 percent
per annum 2007-2009, up from 4 percent 2004-2007, and recently the governor of the
Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) has disclosed that the Gambia economy is
projected to expand by 5.0 percent in 2010, lower than the revised estimate of 5.6
percent in 2009.
The key components of the economy have all grown in the last year with agriculture
estimated at 4.4 percent, industry 5.1 percent and services 4.9 percent. In addition the
Gambia's fiscal balance has become less dependent on external taxes during the period;
trade-related taxes fell from 40 percent of Government revenue in 2003 to 24 percent in
2009, as other indirect taxes, such as sales tax, assumed greater importance. The only
area for concern for the Gambian economy in terms of potential risks is the growing
trade imbalance, stemming from higher oil prices and the collapse of groundnut exports,
and declines in tourist arrivals and remittances, the current account deficit rose from 5
percent of GDP in 2003 to over 17 percent in 2009. The capital and financial account
remains in surplus, helped by an HIPC debt write-off in 2007.
Most recent data from the monthly IMF monitoring visits indicated that GDP is at 5.6
percent, which is up for previous estimates of 5 percent, and projected to be at 5.5
percent in 2011. The IMF mission expects inflation to decline slight to 5 percent in
201149.
2.5.3. Employment in formal and non-formal sectors
The incidence of poverty for households whose head is employed in the agricultural
sector is the highest (76.4 per cent—includes fishing and groundnuts activities). Next
are households whose head works in the construction sector (63.6 per cent). By
contrast, the incidence of poverty is lower for households whose head works in social
services (45.4 per cent—includes personal services), in trade, hotels (48.8 per cent—
includes restaurants), and in finance and administration - private as well as public50.
The population of The Gambia is 1,364,507 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.7
per cent, and with over 50 percent of the population living in the densely populated
Kanifing and Brikama areas. According to estimates from the World Bank and the
Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Annual Report 2007’.
International Monetary Fund, ‘IMF Concludes Visit to The Gambia for the Seventh Review of the
Program Under the Extended Credit Facility’, IMF, Nov. 2010.
50 United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’, GoTG, UNICEF, WB.
48
49
43
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
International Labour Organization, the labour force as a percentage of the total
population has remained stable in recent decades—at about 43 per cent51. Rates are
higher in rural (54 per cent) than in urban areas (45 percent), and are higher for illiterate
people. Adults in the age ranges of 25-49 and 50-64 have participation rates almost
twice as large as those of youth in the15-24 age brackets. Participation rates for males
and females are fairly similar—a pattern which can be found in other sub-Saharan
African countries, but which differs from many other parts of the world where women’s
participation rates are frequently much lower than men’s.
Under-employment rather than unemployment in The Gambia is a source of some
concern. Using the latest population census, which is usually the benchmark reference
for employment indicators, the national unemployment rate is not very high at 6 per cent.
But the urban rate is 10 percent (the rural rate is only 2 percent; mainly due to
agriculture) and, moreover, the urban youth unemployment rate is very high, at 22
percent (in rural areas youth unemployment is 3 percent). 52
Unemployment
Total
Youth
Rural
2
3
Urban
6
22
The most acute employment problem in the Gambia, as in many other developing
countries is seldom unemployment of labor but the ‘underemployment’ of labor. This
can be seen as direct i.e. part-time, seasonal and short-term or temporary employment
and indirectly as low average earnings due to poor levels of productivity in informal
industries such as agriculture.
Gambia’s Integrated Household Survey (HIS) survey allows us to examine
underemployment through the lens of number of working days per year. According to
this data, most categories of workers worked around 200 days or more. In the case of
wage-workers, most of them worked year round or up to 300 days per year[16].
These figures suggest that underemployment is not a particularly serious issue, at least
not as serious as often assumed. However, this indicator does not provide information
about other dimensions of underemployment, for example information on the number of
Republic of the Gambia, ‘Gender empowerment strategy paper 2007-2011’, Round table conference,
London 5th-6th February 2008.
51
Heintz J, Oya C, Zepeda C., ‘Towards an Employment-centred Development Strategy for Poverty
Reduction in The Gambia: Macroeconomic and Labour Market Aspects’, http://www.ipcundp.org/pub/IPCCountryStudy16.pdf, 2008.
52
44
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
hours worked per week, or the regularity of work and the proportion of work that leads to
income (much work goes unrewarded in rural – agricultural circles where inefficiency is
high).
Moreover, underemployment—indicating an inadequate level of labor demand—may
manifest itself in forms other than average work time (be it days per year or hours per
week). Consider a self-employed street vendor. Demand for her labor (providing retail
services) depends on the amount she can sell in any period of time. The amount she
sells will also determine her earnings. If hourly earnings are low due to inadequate
demand, she may work longer hours in an effort to generate more income in total. In
this case, slack demand in the economy leads to longer working hours. However, the
street trader in this example can still be considered underemployed, due to low levels of
productivity and insufficient demand for her labor. In a formal economy this would
usually lead to substitution (movement to a different industry) but in an uneducated
population with no source of welfare this is not an option.
Underemployment is often seen most strongly in informal, service sectors and in
agriculture and these are also the two areas that are often dominated by women.
Formalization of these industries, education to improve productivity are the two
necessities to shift the burden of underemployment away from overtly affecting women.
The concept of “informal employment” is meant to capture forms of employment that
lack regulatory, legal, and/or social protections. Informal employment is most often
defined in terms of the nature of the enterprise in which the work takes place (i.e. the
informal sector) and the nature of the employment relationship. In practice, enterprises
are considered informal if they are unincorporated and unregistered with a government
authority. When registration status is unknown, a size criterion is frequently used (e.g.
informal enterprises have less than 5 employees).
“Employment in the informal sector” comprises all employment that takes place in
informal enterprises (including own-account workers, contributing family workers, paid
employees in informal enterprises, informal employers, and members of informal
cooperatives). Outside of the unregistered and/or small enterprises sector, employment
may be considered to be informal if it lacks core legal or social protections, e.g.
domestic workers. To be sure, de facto unregulated employment may also exist within
the formal sector, i.e. in registered or large enterprises.
Because of data limitations, we discuss informal employment by focusing on jobs in
informal enterprises as captured by the economic census. Such employment is
widespread in The Gambia. The 2004 Economic Census finds that there were 78,718
45
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
private establishments outside the crop sector where 223,610 people worked: 40
percent as paid employees, 25 percent as own account workers, 5 percent as
employers, 27 percent as unpaid family workers, and the remaining 3 percent as other
temporary workers. Almost three quarters of these establishments were located in the
Greater Banjul, Kanifing and Brikama areas53.
The majorities of these enterprises were unregistered (84 percent) and therefore can be
classified as operating in the informal sector. 73 percent of all working individuals in the
non-agricultural enterprises captured by the economic census were employed in
informal enterprises. As mentioned above, definitions of the informal sector frequently
include small-scale enterprises, not simply unregistered firms. If establishments with
less than 5 workers were included in the informal sector of The Gambia, then the
proportion of informal workers increases to 85 percent of employment in non-agricultural
enterprises.
One area of investment needs to be in the formal employment sectors, especially in
agriculture and manufacturing. In The Gambia, poverty increases with household size
but decreases with education54. The incidence, depth and severity of poverty are more
than twice as high for households with illiterate heads compared to households whose
head is literate. The likelihood of being “poor” is higher in households located in rural
areas, in polygamous families (which are more common in rural areas), in households
headed by widows, people of advanced age or with no work experience, and in
households with sick family members.
Informal establishments rely on unpaid labour (family or apprentices) but also hire a
significant number of paid employees. Paid employees represent 53 percent of all
workers employed in unregistered non-agricultural enterprises.
Gender is a significant differentiating factor in determining types of employment and
occupations in The Gambia. Male workers are employed in a wider range of
occupations, partially a result of the education and training available to male workers
and the customary gender roles in the Gambian labour market. There is also evidence
of labour market segmentation by sex. Whereas employed men work in occupations
such as vehicle driver, protection services, building, mechanic and fishery, female
workers are predominantly employed in petty trading, domestic services and clerical
53
National Dept of Statistics, ‘The Gambia Economic Census’, GoTG, 2004.
The Economist Intelligence Unit, ‘The Gambia: Economist Country Report’, 26 Red Lion Square,
London WC1R 4HQ United Kingdom, July 2009.
54
46
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
jobs. While 45 percent of men reported that they had never received any training, the
proportion of women reporting that they had no access to training was 61 percent.
There is evidence of a significant gender earnings gap. Rough estimates from the
scarce data on wages and earnings for a range of workers who had received training
suggest that the earnings of employed men are 1.6 times larger than those of employed
women. There is substantial variation in the gender earnings gap. In some cases male
and female wages are nearly identical, but there are instances where the ratios of men’s
earnings to women’s can be as high as 3 and even 955.
It also appears from available evidence at the micro level that men dominate most forms
of wage employment in rural and peri-urban areas, in agricultural and non-agricultural
activities. Women’s employment is concentrated in certain informal activities, such as
own account employment or “on commission” work. It should be noted that it is
frequently difficult to distinguish forms of self-employment from wage employment for
women in urban informal activities. There is a continuum to the degree of
precariousness which different types of employment exhibit in The Gambia, and women
tend to be concentrated in more precarious forms of employment.
Gender is a particularly significant differentiating factor in rural areas, especially in
farming, where women take on specific roles within the household. In addition, men
often dominate the rural labour markets for paid employees, especially seasonal
migrant labour. However, it is not unusual to find younger women working for casual
wages in operations such as weeding when they are freed from household chores. The
incidence of this phenomenon, however, cannot be ascertained with the limited
statistical information available.
Limited opportunities for well paid employment coupled with a scarcity of secondary
schools in rural areas contributes to a re-occurring cycle of poverty. Children in rural
areas who are not able to access post primary education may lack the necessary skills
to attain a good or high paying job. This may perpetuate the cycle of poverty in that
persons in these circumstances, without the skills needed to attain a good or high wage,
may have children, relegated to the similar constraints. This has significant impact on
women and youth who are especially vulnerable to a lack of education facilities and
limited opportunities to higher paid employment.
The Economist Intelligence Unit, ‘The Gambia: Economist Country Report’, 26 Red Lion Square,
London WC1R 4HQ United Kingdom, July 2009.
55
47
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The impact on women on the increasing investment in sustainable development and
industries that export is a reduction in shocks. Improvements in employment opportunity
and a reduction in seasonal variance in employment which will mean less migration
(economic) and as a result much improved use of social service provision such as
health care.
Agriculture
Agriculture accounts for a third of GDP and employs three quarters of the workforce.
Most production is devoted to the domestic market, either for subsistence consumption,
sales on local markets, or sales to the hotel trade; groundnuts and fish products remain
the main export crops, although cashews (partly as re-exports) and horticultural
products are also traded. Gambia is still somehow able to export some food staples
(ground nuts, cashew nuts particularly oil and rice). Duties on agricultural products are
generally fixed at 20 percent , the highest level of duty in the ECOWAS tariff. The
simple average rate on Agriculture (WTO definition) is 16.5 percent .
The Gambia has drawn up ambitious plans for agricultural development with Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and International Fund for Agricultural Assistance (IFAD)
assistance, including water, forestry and fisheries management, improvement of food
processing chains, development of livestock and horticulture, and expansion of regional
and inter-regional trade. The objective is to complete these plans by 2015.
The Gambia continues to face severe difficulties in meeting export quality requirements
for food-grade groundnuts. Structural problems also persist in the domestic trading
mechanism. Recently, a Quality Assurance Framework for groundnuts has been
proposed, which, if followed, could assist greatly in bringing the trade up to required
SPS standards56. In addition rice is a staple of the Gambian diet and a major import.
Improvement of domestic production and hence lower reliance on imports is a major
element in Government plans.
Infrastructure, including road (both main and feeder) development, will play a major role
in the revitalization of agriculture. The Gambia has made great progress in improving
its main road network and is working on an ambitious feeder road programme, with
external assistance. Less attention has so far been paid to redevelopment of river
transport, which has been identified as vital to reviving groundnut trade.
56
SPS is abbreviation for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures which along with and customs and
administrative procedures (CAP) are the two major non-tariff trade barriers (NTB)
48
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Fisheries are of major importance to the Gambian economy. However, the value of
exports by industrial fisheries is believed to be severely underestimated, as most such
fish is caught and either transshipped at sea or landed in foreign countries. A new
deep-water fishing port for landing and processing industrially caught fish is due for
completion by end 2010. The artisanal subsector faces different issues, in that it
struggles to meet quality requirements for export markets, particularly in the EU.
Recognizing this, the new Gambian fisheries policy emphasizes post-harvest quality
control and the achievement of internationally acceptable standards.
The advantages to improving SPS and other NTB for women in particular is the greater
formalization of the employment sector - SPS and improving standards and QA tend to
mean a much more formalized employment structure and a tendency for firms to have
to apply to international standards of employment protection in terms of hours and
working conditions not to mention termination and abridgment law.
Tourism
Tourism in The Gambia is one of the largest contributing imports into The Gambia
economy. According to the Ministry of Tourism, revenue derived from tourism accounts
for approximately 44 percent of GDP57. Despite the Global Economic Crisis, tourist
numbers are increasing and providing input into the country’s revenue. The Gambian
government is committed to the development of tourism and to increase its contribution
to the economy.
Tourism development in 2008/09 was affected by the international economic crisis, but
is now believed to be recovering. Although relatively few international airlines provide
long-haul flights to Banjul the service is improving, and many charter providers continue
to serve the country, mainly from Europe. Efforts are being made to expand the tourist
season to the European summer and to improve the offer of "eco-tourism" and
"responsible tourism" facilities58.
The tourist industry provides employment opportunities for women, as approximately 40
percent of hotel and restaurant industry workers are women59. Yet The Gambia also
Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Annual Report 2007’.
Africa Region Human Development Working Paper Series, ‘Health and Poverty in the Gambia. A
background report to the National Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Copyright’, Human Development
Sector, Africa Region The World Bank, November 2005.
The Economist Intelligence Unit, ‘The Gambia: Economist Country Report’, 26 Red Lion Square, London
WC1R 4HQ United Kingdom, July 2009.
59 Government of The Gambia, ‘The Gambia National Gender Policy 2010- 2020’.
57
58
49
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
attracts many tourists who come specifically to The Gambia to exploit women and
children for sexual activities. This issue is further detailed in Chapters Four and Five.
2.6 National Planning Context
2.6.1. National Planning Context
In order to address the economic development of The Gambia, strategic documents
have been produced to outline clear goals, objectives and target to move The Gambia
from a low income to a middle income country. A brief analysis of these documents is
provided in the following section.
2.6.2. Review of Planning Process Documents
The pillars of the PRSP and the principles of Vision 2020 espouse the creation of
enabling the macroeconomic environment for economic growth and the enhancement of
the productive capacity of the poor and the vulnerable, as central themes to achieving
increased access to basic services, social protection and national empowerment
through decent and productive employment
2.6.2.1.Vision 2020
The Gambia renewed its commitment to poverty reduction in 1996 through the
preparation of Vision 20/20. The goal for Vision 20/20 was “to transform The Gambia
into a financial centre, a tourist paradise, a trading export oriented agricultural and
manufacturing nation, thriving on free market policies and a vibrant private sector,
sustained by a well educated, skilled, healthy, self-reliant and enterprising population,
guaranteeing a well balanced ecosystem and a descent standard of living for all, under
a system of government based on the consent of the citizenry”. The Gambia planned to
realize these goals through a series of five-year development plans. The Gambia’s
commitments to poverty reduction notwithstanding, the Medium Term Plans (MTP) were
not well linked to the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) that are prerequisites to
sustainable economic growth and reduction of poverty.
2.6.2.2. PRSP I
The Gambia implemented its second strategy for Poverty Alleviation (SPA II) or PRSP I
for a three year period - 2003 and 2005. The Long Term Goal of PRSP I was to
eradicate poverty by significantly increasing National Income through stable economic
growth and reducing income and non-income inequalities through specific poverty
50
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
reduction priority interventions. In order to achieve this, five main objectives were
identified and pursued during the period. These were:
1. Create an enabling policy environment to promote economic growth and poverty
reduction.
2. Enhance the productive capacity and social protection of the poor and vulnerable.
3. Improve coverage of the basic social service needs of the poor and vulnerable.
4. Build the capacity of local communities and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to
play an active role in the process of poverty reduction.
5. Mainstream poverty-related cross-cutting issues into SPA II.
At the start of the PRSP period in January 2003, macroeconomic stability was slowly
returning, following the instability caused by the exchange rate depreciations in 2001-2,
and more importantly, there was a realistic opportunity to introduce a single fund for
donor finance of poverty reducing programmes based on budget support.
However, as PRSP implementation progressed, slippages in financial governance,
mainly the misreporting by the Central Bank on their operations, led to the suspension
of the PRGF. Measures to check against the reoccurrence of this, including the conduct
of regular independent audits of the Central Bank operations have since been instituted
and are operational. However, on the side of the agreed level of budgetary financing of
priority PRSP sectors, this was less than satisfactory as government revenue
contracted and The Gambia’s debt burden began to seriously undermine budgetary
expenditure on these sectors. This situation was exacerbated by the unsustainable
domestic debt burden. It remains a huge challenge to control spending earmarked for
priority PSRP sectors in the budget in the face of dwindling budget resources60.
Although a number of donors made pledges at the Roundtable resource mobilization
conference in 2002 in support of SPAII/PRSP I, many of the pledges were not honoured
due to suspension of the IMF programme. As a result, the bulk of programmes and
projects under the first PRSP could not be implemented as planned.
One of the features of the PRSP I, was that employment was not explicitly considered
as a priority area or key outcome of its strategies.
2.6.2.3. PRSP II
The Second Poverty Reduction and Strategy Paper (PRSP II) outlined the overall policy
framework for Growth and Poverty Reduction in The Gambia. It also shows key priority
areas, and builds on the long – term development objectives for attaining the MDGs and
60
Government of The Gambia, ‘PRSP II 2007 -2011’ (Approved Copy), Nov. 2006.
51
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Vision 2020. The PRSP II is the main framework that defines the overall government
development planning and budget process for achieving meaningful progress,
prosperity, sustainable development, and poverty reduction. The priorities which are
presented will be implemented through sector plans, and financed through allocations
from the annual budget, complemented by donor contribution. The annual PRSP II
budget also integrates the MDGs into the current planning processes.
PRSP II has five pillars or areas of intervention.
1. Improving the Enabling Policy Environment to Promote Growth and Poverty
Reduction.
2. Enhancing the capacity and output of productive sectors: Agriculture, Fisheries,
Industry, Trade, Tourism and Infrastructure, with emphasis on productive capacities of
the poor and vulnerable populations.
3. Improve coverage of the basic social services and social protection needs of the poor
and vulnerable
4. Enhance governance systems and build the capacity of local communities and Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) to play an active role in economic growth and poverty
reduction
5. Mainstreaming cross-cutting issues; Gender, Youths, Population, HIV/AIDS, Nutrition
and Environment into the development process
There are some challenges which may affect the successful implementation of PRSP II
which are as follows:






Reducing the rising levels of poverty continue to be a major challenge for the government
and people of the Gambia;
The increasingly poor public sector capacity to implement policies;
The unsustainable public debt situation;
Rising global oil prices;
Downward trend in Aid flow due to the global crisis; and
Inadequate levels of private sector investment61.
Progress – pending data availability
2.6.2.4. The National Development Strategy 2012 - And The Program for Accelerated
Growth and Employment (PAGE) – “Pursuing Vision 2020 and the Millennium
Development Goals”
61
Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’, July 2009.
52
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
In support of Vision 2020 and as a means to ensure that the MDGs are successfully
realized, PAGE is currently under development to specifically define policies and
programs which will support government efforts.
The major objectives, which are currently under development but are set to be realized
by 2015, focus on the following areas;




Reduce levels of income poverty
Increase vocational training opportunities
Improve MMR and U5MR statistics
Reduce levels of diseases.
The Major Areas of proposed PAGE Interventions
1. Strengthening Government institutions - enhancing effectiveness and efficiency
in public service delivery.
2. .Strengthening Public Financial Management - implementation of a Medium Term
Expenditure Framework
3. Development of the Human capital stock - enhancing the competitiveness of the
country within the sub-region by the provision of a pool of experts that command
a premium in the sub-regional market
4. Land Use Planning - having a National Spatial Development Plan to guide land
use in the country (Land tenure system - processing of property, land property)
5. Agriculture as a tool for Rural Development -transforming the Gambia to a major
supplier of agricultural products to the local and international market
6. Tourism upgrading and Expansion -making The Gambian tourism more attractive
and competitive
7. Health System Reform and upgrading of Health Care Products -making the
Gambia a major source of health care for the sub-region
8. Upgrading Energy infrastructure -energy to power the industrialization and
modernization of the country
9. Upgrading the transportation infrastructure - transportation to enhance movement
of goods and persons
53
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
10. Upgrading the Information and Communication Infrastructure - better and more
efficient public services delivery and enhancing the country `s competitiveness
11. Business sector reform to build Gambian share of the sector - enhancing
business and government relationship to guild indigenous participation and
improve quality and business performance
12. Accelerating Decentralization – Local Governments as Public Corporations enhancing the autonomy of the local governments and making them responsible
for the provision and financing of the basic social services
13. Enhancing social protection - ensuring a decent standard of living for one and all
2.6.2.5. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – which range from halving extreme
poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all
by the target date of 2015 – form a framework agreed to by all the world’s countries and
all the world’s leading development institutions. They have galvanized unprecedented
efforts to meet the needs of the worlds poorest.
The Gambia has made significant progress towards meeting the MDGs, especially in
attaining primary school enrolment, providing for the vaccination of children, and
improving the use of clean drinking water. Nevertheless, efforts to eradicate poverty and
hunger, significantly reduce child mortality, improve maternal mortality, and the
provision of affordable drugs are not likely to be realized by 2015.
The reasons for this shortfall are complex and often challenging to address. There is a
need for better statistical collection and analysis, for great investment in programs to
address these challenges, and more innovative programs that address the MDGs.
Emphasis on specific goals require a greater commitment to increasing the incomes of
agricultural workers, of improving maternal care, especially emergency obstetric care,
and in addressing issues affecting the environmental situation. According to the MGD
report, if current trends continue, it is unlikely that all the MGDs will be realized by 2015.
Nevertheless, successes in many indicators have been made and the work, programs
and continuing efforts in achieving the MGDs should positively contribute to improving
54
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
the lives of children and women in The Gambia even if all indicators have not been fully
realized 62.
Summary of Progress towards the Millennium Development Goals
Goal 1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
The country is not on track to meet the poverty targets. Poverty gap ratio has increased
from 23 in 1990 to 25 in 2003, underweight children (as a indicator of hunger) has also
increased from 17 percent to 20 percent in 2003. Given the current trend, intensified
efforts are required in order to meet the MDG target of 10.4 by 2015
Goal 2. Achieve universal primary education
The Gambia has been successful in reaching the MGD target that aims to ensure that
by 2015, children everywhere boys and girls alike will be able to complete a full course
of primary schooling. The Gambia has attained the MDG targets set on the proportion
of pupils starting grade 1 who reach last grade of primary school and is on track for the
net enrolment target for the population 15 – 24 years old.
Goal 3. Promote gender equality and empower women
The target to reach gender parity in primary and lower secondary schools has been
achieved and the target for secondary school is on track to be realized.
Goal 4. Reduce child mortality
For child health, the country is currently unlikely to meet the MDG targets for infant and
child mortality indicators given the current estimates. Immunization targets set for the
proportion of one year olds children immunized against measles has been attained.
Goal 5. Improve maternal health
The country is not currently on track for reaching this MDG target. The current maternity
rate is 556 deaths/100,000 live births (the MDG target is 263 maternal deaths per
100,000 live births). The target of 90
percent of births attended by skilled birth
attendants is also unlikely to be realized considering a 2005/06 estimate of 56.8 per
cent
‘Five Years from 2015, The Level of Achievement of the Millennium development Goals (MDGS),
Synthesized Report 2010’, the Gambia, September 2010.
62
55
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Goal 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
The Gambia is partially on track to meet this multi-dimensional goal. The country is on
track to meet the MDG targets of 80 percent of under-five children sleeping under ITNs.
HIV1 Has been reduced from 2.8 percent in 2005/06 HIV1 to 1.42 percent in 2007,
and 0.9 percent HIV 2 to 0.5 percent (same years). In addressing childhood diseases,
the goal for measles vaccination has been attained and the country is on track for TB.
Goal 7. Ensure environmental sustainability
According to the MDG report, the target for the population using improved drinking
water is on course for attainment.
Goal 8. Global Partnership
The Global Partnership goal is a shared goal between The Gambia and development
partners. The Gambia has shown steady progress in achieving this goal. Completion
point under the enhanced HIPC Initiative has been reached and the country is eligible
for debt relief under the HIPC to the tune of US$66.6 million. Recently, there has been
budget support from ADB and World Bank and programmed budget support from EU,
FTI and Global Fund.
Five Years from 2015, The Level of Achievement of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), Synthesized Report, 2010, The Gambia
2.7 Aid Environment in The Gambia
The main multilateral donors to the Gambia are the African Development Bank, the
ECOWAS Fund, the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United
Kingdom, the European Commission (EC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the
World Bank (WB), the UN agencies, Arab Bank for African Development (BADEA),
OPEC Fund, Islamic Development Bank, the European Community, International Fund
for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Bank via the International
Development Association (IDA). Some of the main social service donor profiles are
summarized in the following section.
World Bank (WB)
The World Bank (WB) is helping to fight poverty and improve living standards for the
people of The Gambia. As of June 2010, the WB, through the International
Development Association (IDA) had approved a total of thirty three IDA projects for The
Gambia for a total of approximately US $312 million dollars, of which the commitment
56
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
value of the four ongoing World Bank operations is approximately US$27 million
dollars63.
The four current active IDA operations are in the following areas:




Basic education
Community – Driven Development
Public Resource Management through the consolidation and expansion of an
Integrated Finance Management Information System (IFMIS)
Agricultural Crop Protection – as a part of regional projection on the prevention of
locust infestation.
In addition to the IDA- funded projects, the World Bank is involved in various activities in
the country which are funded by Trust Funds (for example by the Education for All –
Fast Track Initiative Catalytic Funds, the Global Environment Facility, and the European
Union Food Crisis rapid response trust Fund
European Commission (EC)
EC assistance aims to support the efforts of the Government to address the key issues
that are hampering economic and social development. The two priority sectors for cooperation are infrastructure and regional interconnectivity as well as governance. In
addition, €22 million have been earmarked for general budget support to sustain the
Government's macroeconomic reform programme. Additional support will be provided
for integrated capacity building programmes, institutional support for non state actors as
well as activities addressing the issue of legal and illegal migration.
EC interventions in The Gambia also take account of poverty-related cross-cutting
issues, in particular gender equality, HIV/AIDS, environmental sustainability, good
governance and human rights, especially children's rights as well as nutrition and health.
The EC's total allocation foreseen for The Gambia under 10th EDF funding (2008-2013)
amounts to €77.9 million to address these priorities64.
Department for International Development (DfID)
World Bank, ‘Gambia Profile’,
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/GAMBIAEXT
63
European Commission, ‘External Cooperation Programs – The Gambia’, EC,
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/acp/country-cooperation/gambia/gambia_en.htm
64
57
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
DfID is working in partnership with the Gambian Government and other donors to
support the national Poverty Reduction Strategy. The UK’s bilateral development
programme currently focuses on the following main areas:
Basic Education – a programme (2005-2010) to enhance the capacity of the
Department of Education to deliver quality education and support the development of
national education policy.
Legal Capacity Building (2004-2010) seeks to improve the accessibility, impartiality and
efficiency of the judicial system for the rural poor majority, and includes training for
professional and administrative staff in the judiciary and Department of State for Justice.
Financial Governance (2006-2009) will help strengthen public financial management
and ensure best use of financial resources. Training for the National Assembly’s Public
Accounts Committee and capacity building in the Department of State for Finance will
also be provided.
Civil Society Capacity Building - including increasing civil society’s role in monitoring
and tracking planned and actual budgetary expenditure against Government policies,
and empowering civil society organisations through capacity building support to an NGO
network organisation.
Debt Management - assisting the Government with the design and implementation of a
domestic debt management strategy.
Foreign Private Capital Capacity Building: The Gambia was one of the beneficiary
countries in the first phase of this programme (2002-04) which used a census approach
to measure private capital investment. A second phase of support to consolidate this
work and ensure sustainability is currently underway65
African Development Bank (ADB)
The ADB provides direct and non-targeted general budget support for attainment of
PRSP II's objectives with a particular focus in the social sector (health and education).
Disbursement of funds will be partially linked to the levels of the achievement of agreed
levels for selected performance indicators, as well as contribute to the public financial
management reform, civil service reform, the revitalization of the groundnut sub-sector
and improving road maintenance.
Multi Donor Funding
65
UK Department for International Development, DfID web site,
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dfid.gov.uk/countries/africa/gambia.asp
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The Global Fund EXPAND
The Global Fund supports health initiatives in The Gambia in three major disease
related areas: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Some of the programming initiatives
include66:



Provision of ITNs –over 775,705 nets distributed throughout the Gambia
Provision of ARTs – 1, 306 patients receiving regular ARTs
Testing for TB – 5446 new smear- positive TB cases detected and treated
Education for All – Fast Track Initiative
UN Agencies
UNDAF report – pending availability of information
There are seven UN agencies which are currently supporting programming in The
Gambia. The major programming sectors for each agency are outlined below.
Table 9: UN Agencies Programming Areas
UN Agency
UNDP
UNICEF
Programming Areas
Support to strengthen government institutions by providing ,
access to its global knowledge networks and technical expertise
to boost capacity development and to promote national efforts to
eradicate poverty and attain the Millennium Development Goals.
Support to women’s and children’s programming in health,
education and protection
ideas
UNFPA
Reproductive health programming for women
UNAIDS
HIV/AIDS programming that focuses on data collection,
research, and support to PLWHA
FAO
Agricultural support to government and research institutes
WHO
Support to government health ministries in the areas of research,
data collection and health advocacy
Programming that supports initiatives to ensure food security,
such as school feeding, food production surveillance,
vulnerability mapping, and emergency response.
Programming that supports refugees or internally displaced
WFP
UNHCR
The Global Fund , ‘The Gambia Country Grant Portfolio’, GF,
http://portfolio.theglobalfund.org/Country/Index/GMB
66
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
ILO
UNESCO
2010
people
Support programming that recognizes international human and
labour rights
Coordinates all education stakeholders, both formal and
informal.
Chapter 3. Vulnerability Context – understanding issues that make children and
women vulnerable.
3.1. Poverty
3.1.1. International and National Standards
There are various standards of measurement which are used to assess poverty. Three
common measurement tools are explained in the following section. According to the UN
Human Development Report 2009, The Gambia is ranked 168 out of 182 and also one
of the twenty – three Low Human Development Index countries
Gambia National Poverty Line
The Government of The Gambia has established a National Poverty Line YEAR AND
REFERENCE. using the upper poverty line, based on per capita consumption, the head
count index (i.e. the percentage of poor people) is calculated at 61.3 percent. The
poverty gap is calculated at 25.9 percent whilst the poverty severity accounts for about
14.3 percent.
As the poverty level above indicates, there is a pervasive level of poverty in the Gambia,
which varies along many dimensions such as households head, education levels,
employment status and sector and geographical location67.

Households – households with three person have only a 16 percent poverty
headcount, while households with seven or larger have a 66 percent headcount

Poverty rate for female headed households is 41 per cent, while male is 61 percent.
This lower level of poverty for female headed households is primarily reflective of
remittances received from husbands (or other family members) who travel for
employment purposes and has further socio- economic implications regarding male
migration.
World Bank, ‘Poverty Reduction Challenges and Opportunities’, Poverty Assessment, World Bank, May
2009.
67
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010

Households with heads of households who have a secondary schooling have an
estimated poverty rate of 36 percent , while those with no schooling have an almost
doubling rate of a 64 percent poverty rate

Nearly 60 percent of the poor are under the age of 20, which is reflective of the
population pyramid due to a high birth rate and rapid population growth. There are
implications for child poverty which are referenced in the following section.
There are regional variations of poverty with rural areas demonstrating higher levels of
poverty (76 percent as estimated by the World Bank Poverty Assessment). These
regional variations are associated with variations in access to health facilities and upper
basic and secondary schools, in terms of the average distance to these facilities.
Interesting there were similar distances and road conditions to lower basic schools
between urban and rural areas, which may indicate that access to secondary school is a
leading reason for low secondary education enrolment 68 . These findings seem to
indicate that further expansion of school should focus on the upper and secondary
levels69.
As part of the World Bank Poverty Assessment, community members identified other
underlying causes of poverty during participatory assessments. .




Credit buying of groundnuts – often payments are delayed which may result in
the need to resort to coping mechanisms which may exhaust resources and any
safety nets
A strong dissatisfaction with the Primary Health Care System
Large family size
Girls scholarship programs discouraging boys education (enrolment rates for
boys have declined in certain geographic locations)70
Efforts to address these recommendations have been taken into consideration in the
development of the PAGE, with an emphasis on employment, heath care and education.
International Income Poverty
According to the HDI, there are approximately 34 percent of Gambians living on under
$1 USD a day, and over half of all Gambians (54.7 percent) live on $2 USD a day71.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)72
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’ - 40 percent male, 37 percent female
World Bank, ‘Poverty Reduction Challenges and Opportunities’, WB, May 2009.
70 World Bank, ‘Poverty Reduction Challenges and Opportunities’, WB, May 2009.
71 United Nations Development Programme, ‘Human Development Report 2009’, UNDP.
68
69
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The MPI is an assessment approach that the measures specific indicators in
deprivations in three basic dimensions; Education, Health, and Standard of Living. The
MPI is calculated by multiplying the incidence of poverty by the average intensity across
the poor. The following chart compares the various measures of poverty - national
poverty line, international income poverty and the MPI.
Chart 3: Comparative Poverty Measures
Proportion
70
60
57
60
61
50
40
34
Proportion
30
20
10
0
MPI(H)
U$1.25
U$2 a day
National Poverty
Line
Source: Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
Table 10: Comparative Poverty Measures
Multidimensional Poverty Index
0.324
Percentage of MPI Poor (H)
0.604
Average Intensity of Deprivation (A)
0.536
Number of MPI Poor People (in millions)
1
Percentage of Income Poor ($1.25 a day)
34
percent
Percentage of Income Poor ($2.00 a day)
57
percent
Percentage of Poor (National Poverty Line)
61
percent
Population*(in millions)
Human Development Index
HDI rank (104 countries)
HDI category
1.6
0.456
12
Low
Source: Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI),
The MPI identifies a person as poor if he or she is deprived in at least 30 percent of
weighted indicators. These indicators are; schooling, children enrolment, child mortality,
nutrition, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, type of floor in houses, and cooking fuel
used. The table below demonstrates the level of intensity of poverty in the Gambia as
measured by the ten indicators.
Chart 4: Percentage of People Deprived in X Percent or more of MPI Weighted Indicators
72
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), ‘OPHI Country Briefing 2010’, OPHI.
62
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
SOURCE: Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
All three measurements of poverty as described above indicate that well over half of all
Gambians live in poverty; a staggering statistic, which directly contributes to the overall
situation of children and women (63 percent of Gambian women are classified as poor).
Women and children are placed at greater risk to abuse and exploitation as they seek
ways to earn needed income. Children from poor households may be kept out of school
in order to contribute to family income or tend children while parents work or are
engaged in farming and heath can be negatively affected if needed medications are not
affordable or provided by health facilities.
3.1.2. Rural vs. Urban
According to the various measurements of poverty identified above, approximately 60
percent of Gambians can be classified as poor. According to the World Bank Poverty
assessment, 76 percent of the poor live in rural areas. By gender however, 48 percent
of males and 63 percent of females are classified as poor, with 15.1 percent of females
and 8.5 percent of males classified as extremely poor. The Integrated Household
Survey indicates that while poverty is found in all parts of the country, extreme poverty
can be found more in rural areas (15 percent) than in urban areas (13 percent), and
that poverty affects women on a greater scale than men73.
Standards of living and the impact of poverty differ greatly in the rural and urban
context. Statistics on urban and rural poverty do not provide the complete picture when
it comes to assessing the affect of poverty on the poor. Factor such as access to
education and health services, opportunities for employment, even if only seasonal or
short term and a social support system need to be factored into the assessing the
overall affects of poverty. In The Gambia, many of these indicators are much more
73
Government of The Gambia, ‘The Gambia Priority Employment Program 2007-2011’, GoTG.
63
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
accessible in urban areas. At the same time, urban environments can also mean
overcrowding, higher crime rates, and exposure to less traditional or ‘modern vices’ of
which families may not have control.
3.1.3. Child Poverty
Child poverty is the growing phenomenon of children who live in poverty as defined by
national and international standards. Poverty affects more women and children on a
global scale, and in The Gambia with over 60 percent of the population categorized as
living in poverty, this has direct impact on women and children who make up of the
largest percentage of the poor.74 According to the WB Poverty Assessment, over 60 of
the poor are under twenty years old.
This translates into the reality that over one third of The Gambia’s population are poor
children and youth. Based on the Census 2003 and using the national poverty index
rating of 61.3 % of Gambian living in poverty, there are approximately 351,000 children
under 15 years of age living in poverty and over 184,000 youth between the ages of
15 – 24 living in poverty. This number is more than likely higher than this, as children
are often disproportionately represented in populations living in poverty.
Children are especially vulnerable to poverty due to their age and dependency. Children
make up a disproportionate number of the poor and extremely poor, because of higher
fertility rates in the lower income/consumption deciles of the population. Children
brought up in poverty, without an adequate standard of living, are likely to suffer serious
deficiencies in nutrition, shelter, clothing and other basic needs, adversely affecting their
well-being and development. They are more likely to be out of school, compromising
their life-time chances. They are at greater risk of exploitation, violence and abuse,
including the risks of child labour and trafficking. Also HIV/AIDS is creating a growing
number of orphans, whose vulnerability is increased by the loss of their parents and a
sharp decline in household income75.
Article 27 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) states that every child has
the right to a standard of living adequate to his or her development and requires states,
where necessary, to ‘provide material assistance and support programmes’ to parents
to make this right a reality. Social protection systems can help to overcome these
problems and Article 26 of the CRC specifically upholds the right of every child to
benefit from social security.
Government of Gambia, ‘The Gambia Priority Employment Program 2007-2011’, By gender however
48 percent of males and 63 percent of females are classified as poor, with 15.1 percent of females and
8.5 percent of males classified as extremely poor, GoTG.
75Chikova, ‘Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia’, GoTG, UNICEF, July 2009.
74
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Social Protection
Social Protection as presented by the World Bank is defined as ‘interventions that assist
poor individuals, households and communities to reduce their vulnerability by managing
risks better’. DfID expands this by defining social protection as ‘public actions – carried
out by the state or privately – that a/ enable people to deal more effectively with risk and
their vulnerability to crises and changes in circumstances; and b/ help tackle extreme
and chronic poverty’76.
Social Protection in The Gambia
While The Gambia does not have a National Social Protection Policy or Strategy there
are many schemes and initiatives that work in favor of social protection. These plans
listed below are under the umbrella of the Social Security and Housing Finance
Cooperation, whose mission is to provide adequate social protection for workers,
facilitate low cost shelter and invest funds of corporations to achieve maximum results.
These plans are as follows77:
Housing Finance - provision of plots of land with or without construction loans for low to
middle income populations.
National Provident Fund – employees from 18 – 54 contribute 15 percent of base salary
to this fund
Pension Fund – employees in quasi – government or private institutions contribute to
this fund. Civil servants and members of armed forces have separate pension plans.
Disability Pension – provides assistance to those who become incapacitated to work
due to disabilities
Other Social Protection Measures in The Gambia







Subsided health service for all
Medical Insurance for private sector employees and some of their families
Cash Transfer for OVCs (GFATM and UNICEF)
Elderly destitute
Education Assistance
Remittances from Gambians abroad
‘Osusu’ – weekly or monthly voluntary contribution
UNICEF, Programme Country note for the Gambia, Social Transfer Training, Ghana, Sept – October
2010, pg 6
77 UNICEF, Programme Country note for the Gambia, Social Transfer Training, Ghana, Sept – October
2010
76
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia




2010
Credit Unions
Scholarship Schemes – most for girls
Tuition Free primary education for all
School feeding for 95% of lower and basic cycle school
3.2. Food Security
Food security can be defined as when all members of a household have access to
enough food to have an active and healthy life. Food security includes the ready
availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, an assured ability to acquire foods
in socially acceptable ways (that is, without resorting to emergency food supplies,
scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies), and the adequate utilization of these
foods, ensuring that daily caloric and nutritional needs are met 78 . The Gambia
experiences fluctuating food security with limited access to a basic food basket due to
overall low income, fluctuating availability depending on production of local food
commodities and a high rate of 30 percent stunting in children under five indicating
poor utilization. (WFP)
Additionally, according to WFP The Gambia is a one of the countries most vulnerable to
high incidences of food insecurity due in part to it is heavy reliance on rain feed
agriculture and limited export trade status, with groundnuts as its main export
commodity. Any variation in rainfall or climate conditions, such as drought or flooding,
both common occurrence in the past five years, or fluctuations in the global market for
groundnuts can result in food insecurity79.
Effect on women and children
When households experience food insecurity, coping mechanisms must kick in so that
daily food requirements can be met. Some of these mechanisms may include reducing
the amount of food consumed, and thereby an increase in childhood malnutrition,
children being taken out of school to work or care for younger children while parents
work, children missing school due to low levels of energy or illness related to a
reduction in food, and women and children placed in situations of greater vulnerability
as a means to earn money to meet household food demands.
3.3. Emergencies
In recent years, the Gambia has experienced a significant number of disaster related
events of natural and anthropogenic origins. The document on the hazard profile of the
78
79
United States Department of Agriculture, USDA.
Women Bureau, ‘Key Informant Interview’, October 2010.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Gambia and its vulnerability and capacity assessment report shows that these disasters
are related to drought, floods, locust invasions, environmental degradation and
epidemics. For example, between 2002 and 2006 there were 65 flood related disasters,
and 45 incidents of fire in the West Coast Region alone. Recurrence of disaster events
and the increasing concerns about the impacts of emergencies and disasters have
attracted attention from both the Gambian Government and development partners due
to the impact on vulnerable groups, impact on the environment and damage to national
infrastructure80.
During emergency situations, women and children are at risk of increased vulnerability,
such as illness, injury, abuse, and exploitation. Children can be separated from parents
or family members and exposed to increased harm, abuse or exploitation. Recent
examples of alleged child trafficking during Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake
demonstrates some of the increased vulnerability issues which are result of national
disasters.
Drought is one of the major ongoing emergencies which occur in The Gambia. The
negative effects of drought on agricultural production and food security are evidenced
by increased childhood malnutrition, increased pockets of extreme poverty and
destruction to infrastructure such as homes, schools, and clinics. Flooding is another
emergency that has been occurring in increasing frequency. The most recent flooding
took place in the rainy season of 2010 and is addressed below.
Flooding 2010
Heavy rainfalls which occurred in The Gambia from July – October 2010 resulted in
flooding, with damages to infrastructure and livelihoods. Most heavily hit areas include
West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipal Council and the Greater Banjul areas. A loss of
lives and livelihoods was reported in areas up-country.
In general, the most affected regions were concentrated in the western part of the
country. The major damage which occurred resulted in damaged houses, impassable
roads and bridges. Additionally a loss of food stocks, livestock and harvest crops were
destroyed, affecting household food security and livelihoods, particularly for subsistence
farmers. Most of the affected households have put into place coping mechanisms in the
aftermath of the flooding.
There was also some health and education fall out in the areas affected by the flooding
in terms of infected water sources, which had been flooded and potentially
80
Government of The Gambia, ‘National Disaster Management Strategy’, GoTG, 2008.
67
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
contaminated by flood water. There was an increase in diarrhoeal diseases, malaria,
skin, eye and acute respiratory infections. Some schools in affected areas were
occupied by persons who had to evacuate their home or communities which affected
access to school for students in these areas81.
Effect on women and children
In emergencies women and children often are put into vulnerable situations. They can
be separated from family members, injured, and lack access to food and water. Special
programming to address these needs should be put into place well before emergencies
occur. Emergency prevention plans for the critical sectors of health, WASH, education
and protection should be well developed in collaboration between government, CSO,
and NGOs.
National Disaster Management Agency
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has established a national policy
which seeks to minimize the effect of emergencies and disasters, by targeted planning
recognizing the special needs of children and women. An overview of the background of
the NDMA and the national policy is provided below.
Background
The Gambia Government’s interventions to avert major disasters can be dated to 1970
following the ‘Banjul Declaration’ calling for urgent measures to prevent the further
degradation of the land, land cover and its disastrous consequences. The first
government initiative in disaster risk reduction was the provision of emergency
preparedness and contingency planning in National Environment Management Act
(1994). However, this initiative lacked substantial progress due to some limitations of the
Act, which failed to recognise the broader risks and laced the necessary coordinating
mechanisms for successful administration.
Cognisant of this deficit, the government set up the Disaster, Refugees and Relief
Committee in 1996, (later renamed as National Disaster Management Committee)
under the Office of the Vice-President. Since that time, government efforts to develop
the national disaster management system have received significant UN and partner
support. In 2006, with support from UNDP, the National Disaster Management
Secretariat under the Vice President’s Office was established.
Government of The Gambia/Civil Society/UN, ‘Rapid Joint Assessment of the Impact of the Heavy
Rains and Floods in The Gambia’, September 2010.
81
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Through the UN support, a disaster management policy and a strategic action plan were
developed and the National Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2008. The aim of
the policy and institutional framework is to build safe and hazard resilient communities,
by enhancing the use and access to knowledge and information in disaster prevention
and management at all levels of the Gambian society. The Policy also establishes the
strategic priorities and targets to guide, and inform, practitioners and highlights the need
to institutionalise and mainstream disaster risk reduction approaches in national
development planning strategies.
In 2008, the Government created the National Disaster Management Agency and set up
a National Disaster Fund. The mandate of the agency is to plan, coordinate the
implementation and monitor all activities relating to disaster risk reduction programmes
throughout the country both at national and local levels. Government’s Disaster Risk
Management approach by NDMA focuses more on risk reduction and preparedness
rather, than on relief and rehabilitation
Chapter 4. Issues and Structural Support Context affecting the Rights of Children
Information to focus on the Four Categories of Child Rights as outlined in the UNCRC –
Survival, Protection, Development and Participation, and to include the most vulnerable
populations
4.1. Children Survival - Child survival rights include the child’s right to life and the needs
that are most basic to existence such as nutrition, shelter and adequate standard of
living and access to medical services.
4.1.1. Health
It is widely recognised that a healthy childhood is the foundation for a healthy adult life.
Habits formed in childhood have a long term impact on health and well being. Important
components that contribute to the healthy status of children are good nutrition and
immunizations. A brief review of these issues follows.
UNCRC Article 24
1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard
of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health. States Parties shall
strive to ensure that no child is deprived of his or her right of access to such health care services.
4.1.1.1 Infant and Under Five Mortality
The Gambia has particularly high rates of infant and under five mortality, which
underscore some of the weaknesses within the health care system. The following
section will review some of the causes of infant and child mortality and structures which
are in place to reduce the high rates of death in infants and young children.
69
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
UNCRC Article 24
2. States Parties shall pursue full implementation of this right and, in particular, shall take
appropriate measures:
(a) To diminish infant and child mortality;
(b) To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children with
emphasis on the development of primary health care……..
Up to the 1980’s, the Gambia had one of the highest rates of IMR and U5MR in Africa,
but much progress has been made in reducing these rates and currently these
indicators at 93/1,000 and 131 /1,000 respectively are in line with other rates in West
Africa. Nevertheless there are significant variations across regions 82 . In rural areas,
these rates are significantly higher (IMR 27 percent higher and U5MR is 36 percent
higher) as demonstrated in the following table.
Chart 5: IMR and U5MR in The Gambia as per LGAs, and Urban vs. Rural
250
200
150
IMR
100
UMR
50
Ru
ra
l
Ur
ba
n
Ba
ss
e
Ku
nt
au
r
Ja
nj
an
bu
re
h
Ke
re
wa
n
m
a
an
sa
ko
nk
o
Br
ika
M
Ba
nj
ul
an
d
Ka
ni
fi
ng
0
Source: MICS 2005/06
Causes
Neonatal deaths still account for the highest proportion of deaths of the under five year
olds. According to the State of the World’s Children 2009, the neonatal mortality rate is
44 percent. Of this number the neonates who die, prematurity accounts for 34 percent
with infection accounting for a further 28 percent and asphyxia 23 percent83. Congenital
defects, tetanus, and diarrhea a further 10 percent with 4 percent covering other causes.
Still birth rates are very high particularly in rural communities where access to
emergency obstetric care is delayed (156 per 1,000 hospital based births). According to
a study by Jammeh et al (2010) most of the rural still births were identified as fresh and
therefore seen as avertable if emergency obstetric care had been available.
World Bank, ‘Poverty reduction Challenges and Opportunities’, Poverty Assessment, WB, May 29,
2009.
83 INSERT
82
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
According to Cole et al (2010) the most common life-threatening emergencies in
mothers and children are pregnancy related: massive peri-partum haemorrhage,
eclampsia and sepsis. In newborn infants: failure to breathe at birth and sepsis and in
children; malaria, pneumonia, malnutrition and diarrheal disease.
Practices that delay the initiation of the first milk or do not support exclusive
breastfeeding result in lower levels of these two vital practices that directly impact the
chance of survival of children in the first year of life.
Structural Support
The importance of exclusive breastfeeding, duration and timely initiation of
breastfeeding is well established (WHO 1995, Huffman et al. 2001; Saadeh 2003).
Breastfeeding protects against a number of diseases common in developing countries
(Ip et al. 2007). A review of studies conducted in developing countries found
breastfeeding to be protective against a number of fatal diseases including lower
respiratory tract infection and gastrointestinal infections 84 . Only 41 percent (MICS
2005/06) of women in The Gambia practice exclusive breastfeeding to up to four
months, but national efforts to increase this number are implemented through Baby
Friendly Initiatives and community awareness campaigns.
According to the MICS 2005, the practice of initial breastfeeding within the first hour
occurs in about 47 percent of women who deliver, and within one day in about 85% of
women. This practice varies little among various dimensions, including mother’s
education, wealth and rural vs. urban, as seen in the following chart.
Chart 6: Initial Breastfeeding as per Wealth Quintile
Source : MICS 2005/06
84
Rutherford, M., Dockerty, J., Jasseh, M. , Howie, C., Herbison, P., Jeffries, D., Mulholland, Adegbola, A.
Hill, P., ‘Preventive measures in infancy to reduce under-five mortality:a case–control study in The
Gambia’, Tropical and International Health, 2009.
71
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Additionally studies have shown that vitamin A is protective against common, serious
and potentially fatal illnesses including diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection, measles
and malaria (Humphrey et al. 1992; Ross et al. 1995; Thapa et al. 2005) 85. Vitamin A
supplements are part of routine childhood immunizations and in child maternal health
clinics which has resulted in an 80 percent vitamin A supplementation rate.
4.1.1.2 Childhood Illnesses
Communicable diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among children
under five years, especially those living in poor conditions. Children who succumb to
illness miss out on school, damaging their future prospects as well as the future
economic health of their societies. Poor families are forced to spend a large proportion
of their income on treating their children which damages the family’s ability to climb out
of poverty.
UNCRC Article 24 (2)
(c) To combat disease and malnutrition, including within the framework of primary health
care, through, inter alia, the application of readily available technology and through the
provision of adequate nutritious foods and clean drinking-water, taking into
consideration the dangers and risks of environmental pollution;
(d) To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers;
(e) To ensure that all segments of society, in particular parents and children, are
informed, have access to education and are supported in the use of basic knowledge of
child health and nutrition, the advantages of breastfeeding, hygiene and environmental
sanitation and the prevention of accidents;
(f) To develop preventive health care, guidance for parents and family planning
education and services.
3. States Parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to
abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.
The major childhood illnesses that result in the most deaths of children in The Gambia
are malaria, diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI)/pneumonia. There are
specific programs which have been initiated to reduce the prevalence of these illnesses,
but there is still much to be done to reduce the impact of these diseases on children.
INSERT CHART with Childhood diseases – dependent on availability of data
85
Rutherford, M., Dockerty, J., Jasseh, M. , Howie, C., Herbison, P., Jeffries, D., Mulholland, Adegbola,
A. Hill, P., ‘Preventive measures in infancy to reduce under-five mortality: a case–control study in The
Gambia’, Tropical and International Health, 2009.
72
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Malaria
In the World Malaria Report 2008, an estimated 247 million cases of malaria globally,
(2006 WHO figures) led to almost 881,000 deaths, with over 75 percent of these deaths
among African children under five years of age. Malaria is a leading cause of death in
children under five in The Gambia.
Causes
Malaria is most often caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted
through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito helping herself to a blood
meal to nurture her eggs. Malaria accounts for one in five childhood deaths in Africa.
Anaemia, low birth weight, epilepsy and neurological problems are the common
consequences of malaria in children.
One of the leading causes of malaria, specifically in Africa, is the rapid spread of
resistance of malaria parasites to chloroquine and the other quintiles, which are the only
available drugs for treatment malaria. In the Gambia, resistance rate is XXX.
Malaria and poverty
Although malaria is treatable with anti-malarial drugs and preventable through
immunization and sleeping under bed net, but resources to purchase these resources
are often not accessible, especially to poor households. This issue receives significant
attention in The Gambia with support the Global Fund, yet the MICS 2005/05 reports
that household coverage is only 49 percent and there are 49 percent of under five
year olds sleeping under ITNs (MICS 2005/06). There are ongoing campaigns to
distribute ITNs to all areas in The Gambia.
In areas of stable malaria transmission, very young children and pregnant women are at
highest risk for malaria morbidity and mortality. Most children experience their first
malaria infections during the first year or two of life, when they have not yet acquired
adequate clinical immunity which makes these early years particularly dangerous.
Adverse socioeconomic conditions leading to a reduced health budget and an
inadequacy of funds for drugs, the high birth rates leading to a rapid increase in the
susceptible population under 5 years of age, and the changes in the behavior of the
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
vectors, particularly in biting habits, from indoor to outdoor biters, all contribute to the
malaria epidemic.86.
There are economic costs to governments with high incidence and a stable malaria
prevalence. Every year malaria is estimated to cost Africa $US 12 billion in lost Gross
Domestic Product (GDP). It is estimated the disease has slowed economic growth in
Africa by 1.3 percent per year as a result of lost life and lower productivity – what
economists call a ‘growth penalty’. When repeated year after year it is a serious
constraint to economic development87.
The direct costs of malaria include high public expenditure to attempt to maintain health
facilities and infrastructure, manage effective malaria control campaigns and provide
public education. For countries with a high malaria burden, the disease may account for
as much as 40 percent of public health expenditure, with malaria accounting for up to 50
percent of outpatient visits.
In The Gambia, malaria accounts for XX of the national disease burden, and for XX
percent of under-five outpatient attendance, XX of under-five hospital admissions, and
XX of hospital deaths.
The indirect costs of malaria are also widely felt as worker productivity lowers with
increased sick leave, absenteeism and premature mortality of the workforce. For many
the transmission period of malaria coincides with the planting season which further
lowers agricultural productivity. For endemic countries, the presence of malaria can also
deter investment, savings and turn away a potentially income generating tourism trade.
Structural Support
Relatively simple measures can greatly reduce the incidence of malaria. The Global
Fund and Roll Back Malaria campaign strongly support the provision of ITNs. The WHO
points out in fact, that “when people regularly sleep under mosquito nets treated with
insecticide, serious cases of malaria decrease by 45%. Mortality among young people
Ezine Articles, ‘Malaria is a Symptom of Poverty’,
http://ezinearticles.com/?Malaria-is-a-Symptom-of-Poverty&id=3610504
87
The European Alliance Against Malaria, ‘Malaria and Poverty’,
http://www.europeanallianceagainstmalaria.org/uploads/media/Facts_Malaria_Poverty.pdf
86
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
drops by 42% and the infantile mortality rate is reduced by 17% to 63%”. In the Gambia,
over 775,000 ITNs have been distributed in all regions. (approximately XX households
in 201088.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoeal diseases cause approximately 1.7 million child deaths each year worldwide,
making them the second biggest killer of children under five. In The Gambia, there is a
11 percent prevalence rate among children under five (WHO).
Causes
Diarrhoeal diseases are caused by ingestion of contaminated water/food or by poor
hygiene and sanitation practices. They are most prevalent in areas where people
struggle to find safe drinking water for drinking, cooking and sanitation. Untreated
diarrhoeal episodes can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (loss of
essential minerals from the body) resulting in death.
Other causes of diarrheal disease stem from a poor access to clean water and poor
sanitation practices. According to the MICS 2005/06, only % of households in the
poorest wealth quintile use improved sanitation. The most common source of water for
the poorest households is an unprotected well. According to the Social Cultural
Practices 2009, only nine percent of Gambia use soap and water during hand washing,
which would be an obvious cause for the spread of diarrheal diseases.
The following chart indicates that the majority of use from unimproved water sources,
(unprotected wells) occurs in the poorest households.
Chart 7: Water Source per Wealth Quintile
88
DestinationSante, ‘Malaria – a disease of poverty and a cause of poverty’,
http://www.destinationsante.com/Malaria-a-disease-of-poverty-and-a-cause-of-poverty.html
75
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Source: MICS 2005/06
Structural Support
Diarrhoeal diseases can be treated simply and effectively. Given the fact that they are
mainly caused by a virus, most diarrhoeal disease do not require antibiotics. Oral
rehydration salts (ORS), while do not prevent or arrest diarrheal diseases, are one of
the most effective ways of ensuring diarrhoeal diseases do not result in lasting or fatal
complications. In the Gambia, the use rate of Oral Rehydration Treatment (ORT) was
48.2 percent for children who had experienced diarrhea and the ‘no treatment rate’ was
51.8 per cent89. The following chart demonstrates that wealth is not a significant factor
that regulates the use of ORT.
Chart 8: ORT as per Wealth Quintile
Source: MICS 2005/06
There also seems to be little significant difference in the use of ORT based on the
Mother’s education level, as per the chart below. These results may indicate that health
education campaigns about the effective use of ORT has been relatively successful.
Chart 9: ORT use as per Mother’s Education
89
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’, UNICEF, GoTG, WB.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Source: MICS 2005/06
Pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia mainly causes illness in children younger than 2 years old
and adults 65 years of age or older. The elderly are especially at risk of getting seriously
ill and dying from this disease. In addition, people with certain medical conditions such
as chronic heart, lung, or liver diseases or sickle cell anemia are also at increased risk
for getting pneumococcal pneumonia. People with HIV infection, AIDS, or people are
taking medicines that lower resistance to infection is also at high risk of getting
pneumonia90.
Causes
Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, and sometimes fungi.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, which can
infect the upper respiratory tracts of adults and children and can spread to the blood,
lungs, middle ear, or nervous system.
Health care experts have consistently identified pneumococcus as the most common
cause of bacterial pneumonia in The Gambia. Acute respiratory infections are a leading
cause of death, and pneumococcus is the most common cause of these infections.
Structural Support
In order to address these issues, a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been trialed in
The Gambia, and has proven successful. The vaccine PCV7 was introduced into the
EPI campaigns in 2009, and is currently part of the ongoing EPI activities. In order to
increase the coverage rate, village health workers were trained to provide the vaccine.
Data for PCV7 immunization rates are not available.
90
National Institute of Health, ‘Pneumococcal Pneumonia’, http://www.enotalone.com/article/10985.html.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
According to the MICS 2005/06, sixty-nine percent of children under five with suspected
pneumonia were taken to an appropriate health care provider, and 61 percent received
antibiotics. Thirty- eight percent of children under five with diarrhea received oral
rehydration and continued feeding. Although there is no significant difference in
treatment seeking behaviors among wealth quintiles, as seen in the chart below, poor
households are more likely to seek care through pharmacies and government health
clinics, while the richest households seek care through private medical and also
government health clinics.
Chart 10: Care Seeking for Suspected Pneumonia per Wealth Quintile
Source: MICS 2005/06
Immunisations
In 2008 the overall immunization rate was between 91 percent and 96 percent
(WHO/UNICEF). In addition to the usual infant immunizations children in The Gambia
receive yellow fever and hepatitis B protection. Generally, immunization rates of
children in The Gambia are making progress towards universal coverage as per the
chart below.
Chart 11: Immunisation Rates in The Gambia
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
120
100
80
60
Series1
40
20
m
im
Fu
lly
B
Fe
ve
r
He
p
Ye
llo
w
d
es
un
ise
ea
sl
M
DP
T
Po
lio
TB
0
Source: MICS 2005/06
According to MICS 200/06 data, there is little variation on vaccination coverage between
ethnicity, wealth quintiles and mothers education. For example, the vaccination rate
according to wealth quintile hovers between 87 percent - 95 percent , with the poorest
quintile having the highest vaccination coverage (97.5%) as outlined below.
Chart 12: Vaccination Rates per Wealth Quintile in The Gambia
Source MICS 2005/06
4.1.2. Childhood Nutrition
4.1.2.1. Low birth weight
Birth weight is one of the most sensitive – and also one of the most important –
measures of the well-being of children. Weight at birth is directly influenced by the
general level of health status of the mother. In developing countries, especially,
maternal nutrition is one of the most important determinants of birthweight. Three
aspects are of particular importance: inadequate maternal nutritional status before
conception, short stature of the mother (mostly due to undernutrition and repeated
infections during childhood), and poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy. According to
the State of the World’s Children 2009, 20 percent of infants have been identified as
having low birthweight in The Gambia.
Causes
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
In The Gambia, seasonal conditions have a significant impact on birthweight. The
seasonal climate of short wet and longer dry season leads to food shortages. The
hungry period is identified as the period July to September. The most vulnerable
groups are women and children particularly amongst women who live in rural areas.
Increased workloads on woman in these communities, as a result of the rural urban
migration of young men coupled with an increased calorific demand and reduced
nutrient intake impacts on their health. In pregnant women this in turn may influence the
well being of the unborn child leading to low birth weight babies. 19.9 percent of babies
born in The Gambia weighed less than 2.5kg at birth91.
Low birth weight is a particular risk factor. Children of low (or very low) birthweight have
been variously identified as at increased risk from neurosensory, developmental,
physical, and psychological problems. Specific problems include increased risk of
cerebral palsy, asthma, and upper and lower respiratory infections and ear infections.
Low birth weight children are also likely to suffer from reduced rates of cognitive
development and learning. Low birth weight also provides a powerful predictor of the
future health of the child. Problems later in life include increased risks of coronary heart
disease, diabetes and high blood pressure92
Anemia is another cause for low birth weight. According to NaNA, there is evidence of
women not complying with the prescribed iron supplement which are provided during
antenatal visits. Women do not like the side effects which they may experience when
taking the iron tablets. Experiments to assess taking lower dosage iron are planned.
Socio Cultural issues, such as early marriage and teenage pregnancies can also result
in low birthweight. Poverty is one factor that underlies both of these issues, as early
marriage can be a way to improve the economic conditions of the daughter, or the
household (if the husband is able to contribute to her family) or of decreasing the
economic burden on the family. This has a direct result on baby birthweight among
teenage girls who may not be physically mature enough to bear children.
Poverty can also lead to teenage pregnancies in cases where young girls are coerced
into accepting sexual advances of older men in return for financial assistance or support
(in the form of schools fees, assistance to the family, clothing or food). These liaisons
may result in teen age pregnancy93.
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2009, Maternal and Newborn
Health’, UNICEF.
92 World Health Organization, WHO, http://www.who.int/ceh/indicators/iugrnewborn.pdf.
93
The low contraceptive use in the Gambia is a contributing factor to teenage pregnancy as well.
91
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Structural Support
Exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life is critical for the best possible
growth of the infant. NaNA in collaboration with UNICEF actively promotes exclusive
breastfeeding. One of the innovative initiatives is the Baby Friendly Structures, which
are small huts located close to agricultural production areas. This allows women to have
their babies close by so that they can tend the fields and breastfeed throughout the
work day.
As a means to support child care and exclusive breastfeeding, a six month maternity
leave clauses is mandated in The Women’s Act 2010. Among other intended
outcomes 94 , the leave is meant to enable working women, who often do not have
access to their infants during working hours to follow the best practice of six months of
exclusive beast feeding.
Additionally the National Nutrition Surveillance Survey, which is carried out every six
months, ensures the on going monitoring for the identification of malnourished infants
and children for referral to community and health nutritional recuperation programmes.
(More information regarding the survey are included in the following section.)
One of the major challenges which have been identified by NaNA is the need for better
and more up to date nutritional data. This would help to develop programs that meet the
nutritional needs of children and women and to direct limited resources for improvement
of the identified needs.
4.1.2.2. Under Nutrition
Under nutrition continues to be a major problem in The Gambia which is exacerbated by
poverty, food deficit, rural – urban migration, environmental degradation, poor dietary
habits, low literacy levels, poor sanitation, infection and a high population growth.
Seasonal agriculture contributes to acute food shortages in the rainy season often
referred to as the hungry season (July to September), the period of time when
household food supplies are exhausted before the harvest season. Additionally the high
prevalence of poverty translates into low purchasing power for both rural and urban
households and has serious implications on nutrition and health95.
Infants and children under-five are vulnerable to under nutrition due primarily to poor
feeding practices, inadequate care and increasing exposure to infections with poor
94
There may be some negative outcomes to this mandate, as employers may less inclined to employ
women of reproductive age, who will be out of work for six months after delivery.
95 Government of The Gambia, ‘National Nutrition Policy 2010 -2020’.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
environmental sanitation. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is practiced by only 41
percent of Gambian women96, even though there has been extensive awareness raising
campaigns carried out on the importance of this practice.
Stunting results from chronic under-nutrition, which retards linear growth, whereas
wasting results from inadequate nutrition over a shorter period, and underweight
encompasses both stunting and wasting. According to the MICS 2005/06, stunting was
indicated in 22.4 percent of children under 5, wasting was observed in 6.4 percent and
a further 20.3 percent were malnourished. Using WHO classifications The Gambia is
ranked medium for stunting and high for underweight. 64 percent of children fewer than
5 were deficient in Vitamin A and 76 percent were anemic. As per the MICS 2005/06
table below, underweight and stunting are relatively high in The Gambia. These
measurements are more pronounced in the poorer wealth quintiles as per the chart
below.
Chart 13: Nutritional Status (wasting) of Children Under Five
Source: MICS 2005/06
Child malnutrition is also strongly linked with child mortality and the education level of
the mother. The following chart indicates that women with little or no education have a
much higher rate of children who are malnourished across all three proxy
measurements.
Chart 14: Child Malnutrition in Relation to Mother’s Education Level
96
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’, GoTG, UNICEF, WB.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Shading indicates moderate or severe degrees
of malnutrition
Weight for age - Wasting
Height for age - Stunting
Weight for height - Malnourished
Source: MICS 2005/06.
Micronutrient malnutrition
Quite a few trace elements or micronutrients--vitamins and minerals--are important for
health. According to the World Health Organization, one out of three people in
developing countries are affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Micronutrient
malnutrition is highly prevalent in The Gambia with serious consequences for women
and children. A national nutrition survey conducted in 2001 indicated that 64 percent of
children under five are deficient in vitamin A and 76 percent are anemic. Iodine
Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is a serious problem that has serious consequences for the
mental development of children97. (Data is not available on the prevalence of IDD.)
Causes
Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)
Seasonal food availability and high cost of foods rich in vitamin A is the leading cause of
VAD in children. There are many foods that are readily found in The Gambia that are
rich in vitamin A such as liver, sweet potatoes, mangoes, leafy green vegetables, eggs,
and milk. Yet not all households can afford these foods, especially if limited by
seasonal availability and rely on diets which are heavy on carbohydrates and oil.
Vitamin A deficiency is a common cause of preventable blindness and a risk factor for
increased severity of infectious disease and mortality98. One of the first symptoms of
marginal VAD is night blindness. If VAD worsens, additional symptoms of xerophthalmia
arise, eventually resulting in blindness. Even more serious is that if a child becomes
blind from VAD, only has a 50 percent chance of surviving the year. Even if children
97
98
Data for IDD is not available
(Rice, West and Black 2004)
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
survive, blindness severely diminishes their economic potential. VAD may cause
anemia in some regions, but it does not appear to impair children’s growth
(Ramakrishnan and others 2004). Increased mortality is associated with VAD, most
likely because of the detrimental effects on the immune system, which result in
increased severity of illness (Sommer and West 1996)99.
Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
Iron deficiency is a principal cause of anemia. Two billion people—over 30 percent of
the world’s population—are anemic, mainly due to iron deficiency, and, in developing
countries, frequently exacerbated by malaria and worm infections. For children, health
consequences include premature birth, low birth weight, infections, and elevated risk of
death. Later, physical and cognitive development is impaired, resulting in lowered
school performance. (WHO).
Iron deficiency results from insufficient absorption of iron or excess loss. Iron is depleted
primarily through blood loss, including from parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis
and hookworm, 100 which are relatively common illnesses in The Gambia.
The rate of anemia in The Gambia is 76 percent among children, as noted above.
Poverty is one of the underlying causes of anemia as poor households may not always
be able to afford food such as meat which are rich in iron101. Socio – cultural reasons
such as family meal practices also contribute to the prevalence of anaemia in women
and children as they are normally the ones in the family who are last to share from the
family food pot.
Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD)
Lack of iodine is a major problem in developing countries and is considered to be the
world's number one cause of preventable intellectual disability in children. Iodine is
important to child growth and development. In the developing fetus, baby and young
child, the effects of iodine deficiency are serious, including stunted growth, diminished
intelligence and retardation. While salt is a part of the normal diet in The Gambia, the
salt that is consumed, is not always enriched with iodine. In fact according to the MICS
2005/06, only 6.6 percent of households consume iodized salt.
Structural Support
Disease Control Priorities Program, ‘Adolescent and Childhood Diseases’,
http://files.dcp2.org/pdf/expressbooks/adolsce.pdf
100 Disease Control Priorities Program, ‘Adolescent and Childhood Diseases’,
http://files.dcp2.org/pdf/expressbooks/adolsce.pdf
101 There are other locally available foods which contain iron, but meat is the richest in iron.
99
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The National Nutrition policy 2010 seeks to protect, promote and support breastfeeding,
improve national food security , improve food standards, quality and safety, prevent and
manage infectious diseases, prevent and manage malnutrition as well as prevent and
manage diet related disease.
A National Surveillance Survey is conducted every six months in all regions in The
Gambia in order to identify the prevalence and distribution of malnutrition in the
population and to use this information to develop nutrition programmes which will
reduce the infant and young children mortality rate. The overall objectives of the survey
are to




Indentify the distribution pattern and prevalence of malnutrition among under fives
Identify and keep record of all malnourished children for intervention and follow up
purposes
Develop and employ adequate intervention strategies to prevent and mange
malnutrition
Evaluate the various strategies for their effect on the nutritional status of the target
group.
In support of this program, intervention strategies have been put in place. These are:



Management of severely malnourished children at the community level utilizing
Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)
Follow up on identified malnourished children by the responsible Community Health
Nurses to include health education and cooking demonstrations were possible using
locally available foods
Intervention by the villages themselves through their village development
committees.102
In order to address micro- nutrients deficiencies, NaNA in collaboration with UNICEF
has included iron and vitamin A supplementation into EPI activities and in child maternal
health clinics. According to the State of the World’s Children, 82 percent of children (659 months) have the full Vitamin A coverage, yet only 6.6 percent of households use
iodized salt. As a means to increase this low national average, NaNA supported several
measures such as;

Mass sensitization campaign regarding the importance of iodine in child hood
development, especially brain development
National Nutrition Agency, ‘The Gambia Nutrition Surveillance Program Report’, 489th Edition, NaNA,
Feb/March 2010.
102
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010

The promotion of iodine mixing into salt produced in The Gambia. UNICEF funded
iodine mixing machines and mobile mixing units for salt producing communities in
order to add iodine to salt

Provision of iodine test kits to border security so that testing for iodine can be carried
out for salt being imported for consumption.
Baby Friendly Initiatives EXPAND
The overall goal for Baby Friendly Initiatives is to help improve the well being of infants
and mothers.
Baby Friendly Communities
Baby Friendly Communities have been established in XX communities in The Gambia.
Under the BFCI huts have been set up near farm plots so that mothers who are
engaged in agricultural activities are able to breastfeed their babies.
Baby friendly communities concentrate on the overall health of the mother and child.
Some of the activities include xxxx
To become ‘baby-friendly’ a community must
appoint eight people – a village health worker, a traditional birth attendant and six
elected members, three of them men – to serve as a Village Support Group. They are
trained in the BFCI Ten Steps, which they then pass along to pregnant and lactating
women and their spouses.
Baby Friendly Hospitals
The Baby Friendly Initiatives in hospitals and health centres create a conducive
environment for sick and well children as well as mothers.
4.1.3. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services, coupled with poor hygiene
practices, sickens or kills thousands of children every day throughout the world, and
leads to impoverishment and diminished opportunities for thousands more.
Poor sanitation, water and hygiene have many other serious repercussions. Children –
and particularly girls – are denied their right to education because their schools lack
private and decent sanitation facilities. Women and girls must spend large parts of their
day fetching water. Poor farmers and wage earners are less productive due to illness,
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
health systems are overwhelmed and national economies suffer. Without WASH (water,
sanitation and hygiene), sustainable development is not possible103.
Eighty – five percent of Gambians use safe drinking water and 84 percent use improved
sanitation facilities. 104 Yet the distance to water sources was raised as one of the
priority issues that women and children raised in the FGDs. According to the MICS
2005/06, water availability varies according to rural vs. urban and wealth quintiles.
Water sources are located on 55.4 percent of urban households, but only in 12 percent
of rural households. The difference is more striking when analyzing wealth, none of the
poorest quintile has access to water on the household premises, while 81 percent of the
wealthiest households have water on the household premises. See the chart and table
below.
Chart 15: Use of Improved Water Sources by Wealth Quintile
Source MICS 2005/06
Table 11: Use of Improved Water Sources by Wealth Quintile
Poorest
Second
Middle
Fourth
Richest
Piped into
dwelling
0
0
0.9
6.5
24.2
Piped into yard
0
0.7
4.4
19.8
56.8
Public tap
16.4
36.4
53.4
48.9
12.6
Tubewell/borehole
51.7
31.6
14.4
8.5
0.4
Protected Well
14.4
10.7
8.1
5.4
0.8
Unprotected well
17.3
19.3
14.6
6.6
1.4
Source: MICS 2005/06
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene’, UNICEF,
http://www.unicef.org/wash/
103
104
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS, 2005/06’, GoTG, UNICEF, WB.
87
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
In households where water is located outside of the household, the responsibility of
bringing water rests with the women (76.3 percent urban, 84.7 percent rural) or girls
under the age of 15 years (7.0 percent urban and 8.2 percent rural). Women in
FGDs complained about the distance to the well and the depth of the well, stating that it
was both time consuming and physically challenging. Even women who are heavily
pregnant are required to fetch the water which can result in physical stress to the body
and foetus.
Sanitary disposal of excreta in rural households is 78.4 percent and 93.3 percent in
urban areas, and only 55.8 percent of the poorest households use improved sanitary
means to dispose of excreta compared to 97.2 percent of the richest households. This
results in an inequity of resources to rural and poorer households that do not have
access to, or use the necessary WASH facilities.
The majority of schools in The Gambia are equipped with WASH facilities as mandated
by government policy. Yet the facilities provided are in disrepair and often not used. In
many schools the number of toilets are not nearly enough for the student populations.
For example, in some of the large urban schools with a student body of several
thousand students, there are very few toilet cubicles provided which are not nearly
enough to meet the demand. Therefore children and teachers must resort to using the
bush or other unsanitary practices in order to take care of personal hygiene needs.
Additionally studies show that a lack of, or limited sanitation facilities often result in low
enrolment or attendance of girls, especially as they reach puberty. Girls’ attendance has
shown to increase in with improved sanitation facilities.105
INSERT Chart on number of facilities in schools
Causes
Budget constraints may limit the construction of appropriate WASH facilities in schools
and health clinics. Additionally many poor households may not be able to afford to
construct appropriate toilets and therefore must use bush or fields located near the
community. This creates a public health problem for all members of the community.
Traditional norms of not talking about personal hygiene, especially about the disposal of
excreta can lead to poor hygiene practices. Sanitation and hygiene issues are seen as
105
Water AID UK, ‘Problems for children’, http://www.wateraid.org/uk/what_we_do/the_need/
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
personal issues and not to be discussed. This culture of silence can result in challenges
to public awareness raising on these ‘sensitive’ issues.
Structural Support
The National Sanitation Policy which is presented earlier in this report outlines specific
measures that will help to improve the sanitation level for Gambians as a fundamental
right. Some of the key focus areas are access to quality water sources and proper
sanitation facilities in household, to ensure that schools and health clinics have
adequate water and sanitation structures in place, and that education and awareness
campaigns about benefits of clean water and proper disposal of excreta are carried out
nationwide.
Community Led Sanitation Initiative
4.2. Child Protection - Child Protection Rights ensure that children are safeguarded
against all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation, including special care for refugee
children, safeguards for children in the criminal justice systems; protection for children in
employment; protection and rehabilitation for children who have suffered exploitation or
abuse of any kind106.
4.2.1 Birth Registration
Birth registration is an important right which has been clearly identified in the UNCRC
and other international human rights declarations. Many basic rights such as school
registration, access to health care services, voter registration, national identify cards or
passport application, and eligibility for political office are contingent upon birth
registration documentation. This has not been a priority in The Gambia with only 55
percent of under five children registered at birth and a large number of children from
5 – 18 years old who have never been registered and have no official documentation
regarding their nationality or citizenship.
UNCRC Article 7
1. The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth
to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and. as far as possible, the right to know
and be cared for by his or her parents….
As mandated in the UNCRC, all children have a right to a name and nationality and
need to be registered at birth. In The Gambia, 55 percent of children under five have
106
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ‘Child Friendly Version’, Summary of UNCRC.
89
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
been registered 107 . The goal by 2011 is to have 90 percent of children under five
registered. Nevertheless there is still a large population of children between 5 – 18
years old who have not been registered, and who need to have this opportunity.
Causes
Prior to 2004, the majority of children in The Gambia were not officially registered. This
was due primarily to the 1968 Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration (BDMR) Act,
which placed the responsibility first and foremost on the father and only when the father
is not on hand, or the child is born out of wedlock, does the responsibility fall to the
mother. Further reasons for low birth registration rates included cost and long distance
to birth registration centres, lack of awareness on the importance of birth registration,
lack of knowledge on where to register their children and mothers ‘lack of information’
regarding their obligation to register children108.
Structural Support
The Government addressed the issue of low birth registration (approximately 32
percent in 2000) by integrating birth registration in reproductive and maternal and child
health clinics, specifically into child immunization campaigns in 2004. According to the
2005/06 MICS, the registration of births increased to 55 percent for children under five
as a direct result of this change of strategies which were implemented in tandem with
mass awareness campaigns. The following measures were instrumental in the increase
in birth registration rates109.
1. Ministry of Health’s mandate to register children
The Ministry of Health (Department of State for Health and Social Welfare) is the only
institution legally mandated to register births. The principal public health officer is
designated to act as the registrar of births. Divisional- and district-level public health
officers (PHO) stationed in all health centres and hospitals nationwide, as well as
regional public health officers in each of the country’s five health regions, act as deputy
registrars.
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’, GoTG, UNICEF, WB.
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘UNICEF Good Practices in Integrating Birth Registration into Health
Systems (2000-2009)’, Working Paper, Case Studies: Bangladesh, Brazil, The Gambia and Delhi, India,
January 2010.
109United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘UNICEF Good Practices in Integrating Birth Registration into Health
Systems (2000-2009)’, Working Paper, Case Studies: Bangladesh, Brazil, The Gambia and Delhi, India,
January 2010.
107
108
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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The Gambia has also sought to integrate birth registration into health promotion
activities. For example, mobile birth registration campaigns for children under age five
are regularly carried out, at times in combination with mass treatment of mosquito net
distribution.
2. Decentralization of birth registration
The process of birth registration and certification changed in 2003, when two separate
procedures were established for the issuance of birth certificates, depending on whether
or not the parent possesses a clinic card for his or her child. Without a clinic card the
procedures are more cumbersome.
In the case of children with clinic cards, the parent(s) of a child is/are interviewed by the
PHO, who enters the relevant details into the register and the birth certificate forms. The
forms are then sent to the Births and Deaths Registration Unit in Banjul for verification
and signature by the registrar and then returned to the public health officer for
distribution. It takes approximately a month for the birth certificate to be issued in this
way.
For children without clinic cards, prior to taking the steps mentioned above, parents are
additionally required to obtain an attestation of birth from the Alkailo (village head). A
Justice of the Peace, a Member of Parliament or District Chief must then endorse this.
Subsequently a six-member committee needs to scrutinize the request.
3. Integrating birth registration into maternal and child health clinics
In 2004 birth registration was integrated into reproductive and maternal and child health
clinics, leading to an increase of birth registration rates of children under age five from
32 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2005. With this strategy, birth registration ceased
to be a stand-alone service, and has become integrated into highly decentralized child
immunization services.
As part of the integration of birth registration into maternal and child health clinics,
growth monitoring cards, known in the Gambia as Under-5 Clinic Cards, are very
popular with mothers throughout the country. According to the MICS 2005/06,
approximately 90 percent of babies have Health Cards. Efforts to build on the popularity
and wide usage of clinic cards, one strategy that is being explored in the Gambia is to
integrate birth registration into clinic cards. The rationale would be that the fee for the
clinic card would incorporate the fee for the issuance of birth certificates. The card
records the date of birth of the child or the date first seen at the health centre. The birth
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
registration process then uses this as evidence of date of birth and transfers this to the
birth register. This process has not been adequately achieved, and is still being refined.
4. Legal framework and enforcement
In the Gambia the 1968 BDMR Act, CAP 41.01 of the Laws of the Gambia and the 2005
Children’s Act makes the registration of birth a legal entitlement of every child in the
country, and the BDMR Registration Act mandates PHOs to act as deputy registrars. It
also renders birth registration free of charge and makes the immediate registration of
children compulsory for parents, stipulating harsh penalties in case of inaction, including
imprisonment of parents. According to the Act, the father is the primary party
responsible for registering the child within 14 days of birth and faces a fine or a month
imprisonment in case of failure to do so. In the father’s absence, the mother will be
responsible for registration, facing similar penalties.
5. Computerizing the birth registration system
Efforts are underway at the Ministry of Health to computerize the birth registration
system. Draft digitized birth certificates have been produced and are being analysed.
Funding for this initial establishment of a computerized birth registration system and its
subsequent maintenance remains a constraint. However, recent developments in 2009
include the delivery of computer software to the Ministry of Health that will facilitate the
storage and retrieval of birth registration data by Gambian philanthropists.
4.2.2 Adoption and Foster Care
Traditionally within the African context children who are orphaned are usually absorbed
into the extended family structure. In the Gambia, among various communities this
practice extends to the Kabilo structure110, which takes on responsibility for children who
become orphans. Nevertheless, there are some children who may fall through this
familial safety net and need be put forth for adoption.
Additionally, there are some cases when parents may allow their children to be adopted
so that the child will have a more economically advantageous life. It seems that within
the last decade, there is greater attention given to this practice as news media covers
stories about celebrities who adopt children from all corners of the globe, some who
have living parents. While there are ongoing debates about the ethics of such practices,
the overarching concern is that of the children who are placed in the adoption and that
their rights are protected.
110
As described previously, the Kabilo structure is a community grouping of several extended families.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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There is also the case of foster care within the African context. The practice of sending
children to live with relatives for schooling, to help family members care for younger
children or carry out household tasks is a very common practice throughout Africa,
including in The Gambia. Foster care is a positive aspect of a culture that embraces the
tradition of the extended family. Yet children who are placed in foster care are at risk for
mistreatment and abuse, both physically, sexually and emotionally. Special attention
should be given to ensure that their rights are safeguarded.
UNCRC Article 21
States Parties that recognize and/or permit the system of adoption shall ensure that the
best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration……..
Adoption and traditional foster care (which is not regulated by law) can leave children
vulnerable to mistreatment, abuse, neglect or unfair discriminatory practices. Placing
children in foster homes or in the homes of relatives is a fairly common traditional
practice, which is not regulated. This issue of traditional foster care (or being placed in a
family that was not their own,) was raised as an important protection issue by
participants in the Children and Youth groups during the RTDs. Several of the
participants explained that they themselves had been placed in this situation and did not
feel that they were treated fairly or the same as the biological children in the family.
In the Gambia there are fewer than fifty adoption cases a year, data related to foster
care is not available but is a common practice throughout The Gambia, especially as
parents send children to urban or peri - urban areas for reasons related to access to
better educational opportunities.
Causes
Placing children in foster homes or in homes with relatives for usually education or work
related reasons is a common practice in The Gambia. Poverty is one of the leading
factors that lead parents to place their children with relatives who can provide better
support to meet their basic needs. Also access to better or higher educational
institutions is often only or more readily available for those who live in regional capitals.
Therefore parents often send children to parents for access to post primary educational
opportunities. Additionally, it is culturally appropriate for parents to decide to place a
child with couples who are childless.
Structural Support
The DoSW has strict guidelines and policies for adoption, both in country and inter state
adoption. Intensive background checks are carried out on prospective adoptive parents
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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in addition to a 36 - month period with regular monitoring reports every six months, until
the adoption is finalized. Collaboration with social welfare departments in the country of
placement is sought in cases of interstate adoption111.
Nevertheless, The Gambia has not ratified the Hague Convention on Protection of
Children and Cooperation in respect to Intercountry Adoption and this has, at times led
to the non-recognition by some signatory countries to the aforesaid Convention of
adoption orders from The Gambia. This can put children further at risk.
4.2.3. Juvenile Justice - Children and Youth in Conflict or in Contact with the Law
Globally, children who are in contact with or placed within the criminal justice system
are at a high risk of mistreatment, abuse, torture and at times even death. Penal
conditions vary around the world in correctional facilities with a wide range of laws and
procedures governing children in these circumstances. In the Gambia this issue has
been taken into high consideration and there have been efforts to ensure that measures
are taken to protect the basic rights of children in contact with the law. Yet systems
which have been put into place need further strengthening.
UNCRC Article 37
States Parties shall ensure that:
(a) No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of
release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below eighteen years of
age;
(b) No child shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest,
detention or imprisonment of a child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be
used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time;
(c) Every child deprived of liberty shall be treated with humanity and respect for the
inherent dignity of the human person, and in a manner which takes into account the
needs of persons of his or her age. In particular, every child deprived of liberty shall be
separated from adults unless it is considered in the child's best interest not to do so and
shall have the right to maintain contact with his or her family through correspondence
and visits, save in exceptional circumstances;
(d) Every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the right to prompt access to
legal and other appropriate assistance, as well as the right to challenge the legality of
the deprivation of his or her liberty before a court or other competent, independent and
impartial authority, and to a prompt decision on any such action.
111
Department on the Status of Women, ‘Key Informant Interview’, DoSW, November 2010.
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Children who commit criminal offences or who are accused of criminal offenses are
especially vulnerable to abuse, including physical beating or torture within the justice
system. Currently in the Gambia, there are fifteen children who are held at the Juvenile
branch of the Jeshwang Detention Center and one girl who is held in detention at the
Elderly Person’s Home due to a lack of available segregated space at the women’s
facility. There are procedures and policies, such as the Children’s Act 2005 and the
‘After Arrest Procedures’, which are in place to ensure that the rights of children are
upheld throughout the judicial process as outlined in this section.
Criminal Responsibility
The age of criminal responsibility is the age at which a child under this age is deemed
incapable of committing a crime. The Beijing Rules for juvenile justice were adopted by
the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1985 indicate that the age of criminal
responsibility "shall not be fixed at too low an age level, bearing in mind the facts of
emotional, mental and intellectual maturity" 112 . However, the age of criminal
responsibility varies greatly across the world. The UNCRC and the Children’s Act
specifically defines a child as someone under the age of eighteen. Yet the age of
criminal responsibility for children in the Gambia is twelve years old. This is an
improvement over the previous age of seven years old, yet issues of maturity and the
ability to know right from wrong still comes into question with children who are only
twelve years old.
Causes
There are a variety of reasons that result in children becoming involved in criminal
activities. Many of these are related to poverty as children struggle to help their families
or survive on their own. In some parts of the world, children may seek to escape an
abusive family environment and income from criminal activities such as selling drugs,
theft or prostitution may offer a means to support themselves. Specific data on juvenile
crime is difficult to obtain, but currently there are 15 children who are held in detention.
Information regarding the number of children who are currently involved in criminal
proceedings is not available.
Although data is lacking, anecdotal evidence suggests that at police stations across the
country, there are occurrences when children get arrested and are accused of
committing petty crimes. Sometimes these children are slapped by Police Officers,
interviewed without the presence of their parents or Social Welfare Officer and put in the
International Debate Education Association, ‘Age of Criminal Responsibility’
www.idebate.org/debatabase/
112
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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same detention cells with adult criminals. All of these actions are clear violation of their
rights. A major cause of this is a capacity gap at the level of the police, the parents and
the children themselves. This capacity gap is in terms of awareness, understanding and
recognition of children's rights on the parts of police and parents as duty-bearers and
the children as right-holders. At another level it is a capacity gap in terms of lack of
adequate resources being allocated by government as a state party to the UNCRC, for
the police to construct separate cells for children and adults at each police station.
Another capacity gap which is a structural cause is inadequate resource allocation to
DoSW and the fact that DoSW is only located in Banjul and URR, which means that
there is not decentralization which is needed to ensure that the DoSW officer can be
present when children are arrested in all stations throughout The Gambia. While Police
Child Welfare officers have been identified, trained and posted to each police station, in
practice the system of Police Child Welfare is not working beyond the capital Banjul.
Many of the trained Police Child Welfare officers have been moved to other police
stations in the routine police transfers and have not been replaced by trained Police
child welfare officers. In other instances these Police Child Welfare officers have not
very active giving the impression that they see the police child welfare work as ad hoc
and secondary to their main work as police officers.
Children who are in this situation often do not know their rights or how they should be
treated. Likewise, many of the officers who are in charge of children within the justice
system may not be aware of the rights of children or receive adequate training in how
children should be treated who are in conflict or contact with the law. Additionally, there
are not always sufficient resources to provide separate cells for children.
Structural Support
Criminal Processing
Under the Children’s Act 2005, children (defined as person under 18 years old) are
guaranteed certain rights and treatment under the law. There are a set of processing
guidelines that should be applied when children are suspected of crimes. These are
outlined below.
Pre arrest
If a child is suspected of committing a crime and is arrested, parents of the child and the
Department of Social Welfare must be informed, although this practice is at times not
carried out.
Arrest procedures
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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If children are arrested, they should be accompanied by a guardian during all
processing procedures and children should not be placed in the same facilities with
adults. In reality, however, parents or guardians are not always immediately informed
about the arrest of their child or ward, nor is the DoSW always informed. UNICEF and
CPA in collaboration with government developed ‘After Arrest’ procedures and provide
training on these procedures.
In cases whereby the children have committed petty crimes, the Social Welfare officer
can negotiate with the police officer to release the child on bail or under custody of
DoSW at the Children’s Center. However, for serious offenses and the child will have to
go through the courts process.
After arrest procedures – to be inserted
Detention
Children are to be detained in areas away from adults. Boys are held at the juvenile
branch of Jeshwang Prison and girls are detained at the Elderly Person’s Home.
The DoSW aims to reduce the trauma and stress related to arrest procedures by
carrying regular monitoring visits during the child’s time of incarceration. Additionally
academic classes or vocational training are provided.
Court Proceedings
Following the passage and in line with the Children’s Act 2005, the Children’s Court was
established in 2005. While currently there is only one court located in Kanifing, there are
plans to decentralize to the other regions. In general, The Child Court is designed to
protect the child; therefore the only observers permitted are those directly connected to
the case and the child’s family. Additionally, children are not ‘sentenced’ but are order
to serve time in detention centres. The Child Court judges are made up of one social
worker and two people from the community113.
Sentencing
According to the Children’s Act 2005 a child cannot be detained longer than three
months for committing petty crime and no more than six months for a serious crime
without going through the courts. During this time the prosecutor is required to gather
evidence while at the same time the social welfare officer is also required to produce a
‘Social Enquiry Report’ which will contain information about the background of the child,
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Situation of the Juvenile Justice System in The Gambia’, UNICEF,
2010.
113
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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their family life and the circumstances of the crime. Then the case is presented to the
judge who decides on what course of action to take. Attempts are made to make the
court child friendly, with a special emphasis on reinforcing an atmosphere of the
decision making over that of punishment114.
The death penalty for children should not be applied to children who are convicted of
crimes under, section 218 (1) (b) of the Children's Act, which indicates that a child shall
not be “subjected to the death penalty or have the death penalty recorded against him
or her." However, the death penalty is a constitutional provision and thus, since the
constitution is more paramount than the Children's Act 2005, a child could have the
death penalty imposed on him or her by the High or Supreme Court115.
Probation
After detention has been completed (time served is completed), children are placed on
probation. There is a probation officer at the DoSW whose major responsibilities include
to check up with children to ensure their reintegration back into communities.
Other support
The establishment of a Child Welfare Unit at the Police Headquarters and the provision
of a Child Welfare Officers in all police stations, the establishment of seven Community
Child Protection Committees, the creation of the Children’s Court, the creation of a
Juvenile Detention Center, the provision of a Social Welfare hotline (which is to be used
to report child protection violations) and the Shelter for Women and Children all help to
ensure that rights of children are safeguarded within the legal system.
The overall implementation of these initiatives is not completely successful due primarily
to a lack of funding which limits structural and systematic support. Due to resources
gaps, including human resources, these structures and systems of support are only
available in the Great Banjul Area, which severely limits the rights of children in rural
areas. This raises the importance issue of equity, as children regardless of their
geographic location are entitled to fair treatment under the law.
Budget allocations are partly responsible for this lack of funding to the DoSW. The
social service budget as part of the overall Health Sector budget is allocated only
minimal funding.
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Situation of the Juvenile Justice System in The Gambia’, UNICEF,
2010.
115 Child Protection Alliance, KII, 2010.
114
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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4.2.4. Violence against Children
4.2.4.1. Physical Violence/Abuse
Child physical abuse damages children both physically and emotionally. The longer
physical abuse of a child continues, the more serious the consequences. The initial
effects of physical abuse are painful and emotionally traumatic for the child. The longterm consequences of physical abuse impact on the child in their adult life, on their
family and on the community. In the most extreme cases, physical abuse results in the
death of the child. It is important to recognize that physical abuse occurs across all
socio economic strata and to understand the negative impact on the child and society
as a whole. Measures need to be taken to protect children who suffer from physical
violence whether it be within the family unit, in the school setting or in the wider context
of other institutions in which children are placed for care.
UNCRC Article 19
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and
educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence,
injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including
sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who
has the care of the child.
Corporal Punishment in the Home
Physical abuse can be demonstrated in various manifestations. According to RTDs
participants, some examples of physical abuse used as discipline in The Gambia are
beating, striking, burning, pinching, tugging of ears, whipping with a stick, locking up, or
tying and spanking.
When children are beaten, they report being beaten on various areas of the body as
outlined below116.
Areas where children report they are beaten
All over the body - 43 percent
On the back - 29 percent
On the buttocks - 20 percent
Head - 10 percent
Face - 6 percent
116
Save the Children Sweden, ‘Beating the Misconception Not the Children’, ECPAT, UNICEF, 2006.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Forty – six percent of children sampled in the corporal punishment report117 sustained
injuries such as bruises (30 percent ), cuts (18 percent) and other (4 percent).
Surprisingly, 24 percent received injuries resulting in internal bleeding, 12 percent had
teeth knocked out and 9 percent had an arm dislocated or fractures118. As mandated in
the Children’s Act 2005, any incidents of suspected child abuse should be reported to
the proper authorities.
Causes
Corporal punishment is not always viewed to be a violent act against children and in fact
many children, adults and teachers think that it is the only way that children will
understand punishment. Corporal punishment in the education systems is outlined
further in this chapter.
Approximately 79 percent of parents believe or strongly believe that corporal
punishment is accepted and normal way of disciplining children. About 68 percent of
parents believe or strongly believe that children should be severely beaten in cases of
gross misbehaviour, including locking up or tying up children. “…..if a child is
disrespectful or rude, I give you difficult punishments. I will refuse you food or lock you
in the room and would not let you go out119.”
Structural Support
The Children’s Act 2005 and the Criminal Code specify that physical assault is a
criminal office and issues related to violence and the protection of women and children
are clearly outlined.
As noted previously, Community Child Protection Committees have been established in
eleven communities (a total of 18 will be set up.) These communities, made up of
approximately 17 community members120 serve as a front line measure for the purposes
of reporting incidents of child abuse, awareness raising regarding child protection issues
and data collection on child protection violations.
Corporal Punishment in the School
Save the Children Sweden, ‘Beating the Misconception Not the Children’, ECPAT, UNICEF, 2006.
Save the Children Sweden, ‘Beating the Misconception Not the Children’, ECPAT, UNICEF, 2006.
119 Save the Children Sweden, ‘Beating the Misconception Not the Children’, ECPAT, UNICEF, 2006.
117
118
120
Committee members (the majority of whom are male) include the Alkailo, women leader, youth leaders
and other members of the community who are chosen by consensus.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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The effects of corporal punishment on children can be long lasting. They can lead to
depression, low self esteem, increased aggressive behavior in children, increased anti –
social behaviors and impaired learning121.
In The Gambia, ccorporal punishment is lawful in the home and schools 122 . Under
English Common Law, parents can ‘reasonably chastise their children. In schools under
Section 15 of the Education Regulations of the Education Act, “Firm discipline shall be
maintained and enforced in all schools, but all degrading and injurious punishments are
prohibited. And no child shall receive corporal punishment of any form save as in
hereafter in this regulation. It goes on to state that “corporal punishment should be
administered only by the head teacher or an assistant teacher in the presence of the
head teacher, to female students only in exception circumstances, and logged in a
designated book123.
Studies conducted and discussions with children and youth indicate that corporal
punishment occurs in schools. According to the Save the Children /Sweden Funded
2005 Survey of Corporal Punishment in The Gambia, children reported that in
approximately 69 percent of schools in The Gambia employ corporal punishment. Only
10 percent of the students surveyed reported that they had not been beaten or
subjected to other punishments by their teachers, with more boys reporting beatings
than girls (22 percent, and 16 percent, respectively)124 .
Chart 16: Corporal Punishment in School, according to children
50
40
30
YES count
20
No Count
10
0
Boys
Girls
Total
Source: Combined 1, 2, 3 periodic reports on the UNCRC, Banjul Nov 2008
Causes
Gershoff, E. T. ‘Corporal Punishment by Parents and Associated Child Behaviors and Experiences: A
Meta-Analytic and Theoretical Review’, Psychological Bulletin, page 128(4), 539-579.
122 Tang, J., ‘Beating the Misconceptions, not the Children’, The Gambia, 2005.
123 Education Regulations of Education Act Cap. 46, Section 15 1990.
124 United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child, ‘Combined 1st, 2nd and 3rd Periodic Reports on
the UNCRC to The Gambia’, November 2008.
121
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Corporal punishment is seen as an effective discipline measure. Attitudes that support
the use of corporal punishment are common among educators, legislators, the general
population and even children. Eighty percent of teachers report that they think that
corporal punishment is an effective or very effective discipline strategy, although not all
teachers reported that they would resort to using it (About 58 percent reported that they
would not use it). Approximately 60 percent of children surveyed said that they believe
or strongly believe that corporal punishment is the only thing that children understand
when they disobey, and 58 percent believed or strongly believed that corporal
punishment is an effective from of discipline125.
Ideas based on cultural practices which view children in a secondary status as
compared to adults, can perpetuate physical violence against children. As with women,
who are sometimes viewed as ‘property’, children can be seen to belong to parents and
as such treated as parents deem appropriate.
Structural Support
There are policies in The Gambia that outline that the use of corporal punishment
should be abolished. The Children’s Act 2005 states that “no child shall be subjected to
any social, cultural practices that affect the welfare, dignity, normal growth and
development of the child….” It further states that parents have the duty to “ensure that
domestic discipline is administered with humanity and in a manner consistent with the
inherent dignity of the child.”
Alterative discipline guidelines have been developed and distributed by the Ministry of
Basic and Secondary Education with the aim of diminishing or abolishing the use of
corporal punishment in schools. Additionally, in 2006, UNICEF and the GoTG have
produced an easy to read guide, Promoting Alternative Discipline for distribution.
4.2.4.2. Child Sexual Violence/Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse can cause life long psychological and physical damage. The
emotional affects of sexual abuse may not be evident immediately. Victims may
discover abuse related problems as adults. Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
may find that the abuse affects their ability to trust people and form close relationships.
Adults also report feeling intense anger, low self-esteem and codependent and
addictive personality traits, which can affect them through their life.
United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child, ‘Combined 1st, 2nd and 3rd Periodic Report on the
UNCRC to The Gambia’, November 2008, pgs 22-23.
125
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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There is little reporting of child sexual abuse of children in households or communities in
The Gambia. This may be due in part to the ‘culture of silence’ that seems to quell any
discussion or revelation regarding what is perceived to be ‘personal or private matters’.
Other reasons for minimum reporting may be that people in positions to report are not
aware of any incidents child sexual abuse, that children don’t know their rights or that
what is happening is wrong and should be reported, or that children have been told to
keep the abuse ‘a secret’.
Most of the research which has been conducted on child sexual abuse in The Gambia
focuses on child sexual abuse and exploitation within the tourism sector.
Nevertheless, according to the study on the Sexual Abuse of Children in The Gambia
2003, sexual abuse of children in homes, tourist areas and in communities as well as
cross – generational sexual exploitation of children occurs in The Gambia.
Causes
Child sexual abuse is a sensitive and complex social issue with deep seated causes
and results that can be devastating to those affected. Issues surrounding the family
structure and power dynamics contribute to the incident of child sexual abuse.
Cultural practices such as early marriage, where young girls are seen as eligible for
marriage and sexually mature at an early age, may create an environment for child
sexual abuse. The easy access that adults have to children within the Gambian context
also places children in situation where child sexual abuse could occur.
A ‘culture of silence’, that is pervasive in the Gambia, while not a cause of child sexual
abuse, per se, tends to keep child abuse, especially child sexual abuse a closed issue
with little discussion or reporting. Nevertheless, during RTDs, key stakeholders and
women participants raised the issues of sexual assault and rape of young girls as an
increasing problem in the country. Reasons that were given during the RTDs for the
sexual assault of young girls were the prevailing ‘culture of silence’, excessive exposure
to sexually explicit material in media, a lack of awareness of the issue and neglect of
children.
Structural Support
The Children’s Act, the Women’s Act 2010, and the Criminal Code clearly outline that
rape, defilement, sexual harassment, incest, indecent assault, and other sexual crimes
are offenses, punishable by criminal prosecution. Reporting of such incidents are rare
due to social and cultural stigma associated with the abuse. Victims may be afraid,
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
threatened, or made to feel ashamed or guilty. Children and adults may not know that
there is a reporting structure and that it is their responsibility to report abuse
Child Protection Alliance (CPA) has produced an information pamphlet on sexual abuse,
outlining what it is and how to report if it is suspected. The Social Welfare Hotline offers
a reporting link for children or adults who may suspect child abuse.
The GoTG with support from UNICEF has set up Child Protection Committees in eleven
communities throughout The Gambia. The overall function of these committees is to
report and respond to issues affecting the rights of children or violations of these rights.
These committees have proven successful in bringing the issue of child sexual abuse
into the open for police action and public discussion and at times disclosure.
Rape
While rape occurs in a wide context of circumstances, there is limited information or
official documentation of cases of child rape in The Gambia. The increase of the sexual
assault (rape) was the number one protection issue that women participants in the
RTDs identified.
Antedotal evidence from media sources reveals a high incident of rape in The Gambia.
Over the past year, there have been approximately 46 stories of underage rape,
including the rape of infants, in two of the country’s leading newspapers126.
Causes
Rape is a crime of aggression and can occur to women, men and children under a
variety of circumstances, and often the perpetrator is known to the victim. In The
Gambia, rape cases are seldom reported in part due to the ‘culture of silence’, shame or
humiliation that rape victims are often subjected to. Victims can feel that they are to
blame or that they could have prevented the rape if only they had fought harder or had
not been in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’. Families may not want to subject
children to further trauma that may result from criminal court proceedings and therefore
not report a rape to the proper authorities.
As with Child Sexual Abuse, cultural practices such as early marriage, and relatively
easy access to children in the Gambian context, as well as the view that children
‘belong to parents’ can create an enabling environment for the sexual abuse of children.
Structural support
Gambian Newspapers, 34 stories about under-aged rape were reported in ‘The Daily Observer’, and
‘The Point’ Newspaper ran 12 stories of under-age rape, From January – November 2010.
126
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
There are laws, such as the Children’s Act 2005, the Women’s Act 2010, and the
Criminal Code that criminalize rape and set out the penalties for such an offense. The
maximum penalty for rape is a life sentence and attempted rape up to seven years
imprisonment. The Children’s Act seeks to protect girls from harmful practices and
sexual offenses, specifically outlining the prohibition of the defilement of girls, abduction
of girls under 16, indecent assault, and detention of girls against their will with intent to
‘carnally know her’.
4.2.5. Child Labour
There are various definitions of child labor, which range from domestic labour within the
household to slavery. The following section reviews child labor practices in the
household, wage labour and some of the worst forms of child labor that take place
within The Gambia.
UNCRC Article 32
1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic
exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere
with the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental,
spiritual, moral or social development.
4.2.5.1. Child Labour
UNICEF defines child labour as work that exceeds a minimum number of hours,
depending on the age of a child and on the type of work.
An estimated 158 million children aged 5-14 are engaged in child labour - one in six
children in the world. Millions of children are engaged in hazardous situations or
conditions, such as working in mines, working with chemicals and pesticides in
agriculture or working with dangerous machinery. They are everywhere but invisible,
toiling as domestic servants in homes, labouring behind the walls of workshops, hidden
from view in plantations127.
In Sub-Saharan Africa around one in three children are engaged in child labour,
representing 69 million children. According to MICS 2005/06 and The State of the
World's Children, approximately 25 percent of children in The Gambia (20 percent male
and 29 percent female) in the sample size were involved in some kind of labor, with the
majority of children working in the family business or on household chores. Only 3.3 of
127
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse’, UNICEF.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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the children sampled were performing unpaid work outside of the house and 0.6
percent were engaged in paid work128.
Children living in the poorest households and in rural areas are most likely to be
engaged in child labour. Those burdened with household chores are overwhelmingly
girls. Millions of girls who work as domestic servants are especially vulnerable to
exploitation and abuse. Additionally, labour often interferes with children’s education.
Ensuring that all children go to school and that their education is of good quality are
keys to preventing child labour.
In addition to the MICS data, antedotal evidence which has been provided regarding
street children and the work in which they are engaged indicates that there are children
in The Gambia who miss out on educational opportunities to work on the family farm,
tend younger children at home, or are sent out to sell small items (bananas, ground nuts,
etc) as street vendors.
In a recent Joint Donor Implementation Support Mission Visit, the following points were
raised regarding children’s time use, indicating that many children in The Gambia are
engaged in some form of child labour




Children begin working at an early age, some as early as eight years old, especially
in rural areas
Children in urban areas are much more likely to attend school exclusive of work.
Children in rural areas are more likely to mix school with work, working on average 4
hours per week.
Most children in rural areas work as helpers on the family farm, almost half the the
children in urban settings who are working, work in the services sector.
Information regarding the transition from inactivity to school and work indicates that
children tend to transition from school to full time work at the age of about 12
years129.
Causes
Poverty is the leading cause of child wage labour. Children work for a wage to help
support the family. In these cases, when household income reaches a level that is
enough to support the family, children stop working130. Yet, according to the ILO most
African child labor is not wage labor but labor performed in the household. This
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘MICS 2005/06’, GoTG, UNICEF, WB.
The Gambia Joint Donor Implementation Support Mission, Banjul, June 2010 , pg 10
130 18th International Conference of Labour Statisticians, ‘Report III Child labour statistics’, November–
December 2008.
128
129
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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appears to be the case in The Gambia where 25 percent of children are working at
home or in the family business.
The ILO research indicates that girls who marry early are the largest group of child
laborers. (The issue of Early Marriage is detailed further in this section.) Orphans carry
out a large portion of farm labour, and of children who are begging or selling on the
streets, a portion are doing so for religious or criminal organizations. This has
implications on the level of education girls can attain and raises important protection
issues for both orphans and children working on the street.
4.2.5.2. ‘Worst forms’ of Child Labor
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Convention 182, the term "the
worst forms of child labour" comprises:
(a) all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of
children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, including forced
or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict;
(b) the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of
pornography or for pornographic performances;
(c) the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the
production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties;
(d) work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to
harm the health, safety or morals of children.
Data on all of forms of child labour as defined above is not available in The Gambia.
Child Trafficking
UNCRC Article 35
States Parties shall take all appropriate national, bilateral and multilateral measures to
prevent the abduction of, the sale of or traffic in children for any purpose or in any form.
The Gambia has become a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in
children for sexual purposes. This is partly due to its unique geographical situation: its
territory traces a route beginning on the west coast and through Senegal’s interior. The
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
number of children trafficked into the country for sexual purposes is small but a number
of reports suggest that it is increasing131.
Causes
Poverty and lack of opportunity are two of the major causes of trafficking. Child
trafficking typically begins with a private arrangement between a trafficker and a family
member, driven by the family economic plight and the trafficker’s desire for profit and
cheap labor. A potential trafficker may entice parents by offering jobs for children and
the parents may believe them. Instead of giving the child a job, the children are put into
servitude or given to someone else.
Parents may think that in letting children go they are doing something good for them;
but in reality the children are in extremely vulnerable and dangerous situations as they
have little if any control over their lives; someone takes them and makes them domestic
workers, and someone else takes all the money instead of giving them a salary.
Traffickers may inform the parents that their child is doing well and getting paid, but they
do not give money to the children or purchase necessary items for them.
For girls, trafficking is believed to build on traditions of parents using their daughters as
domestic workers rather than sending them to school. Research has highlighted that
parents may prefer to send the daughter to work as domestic workers in order to
contribute to the family income and help pay for school fees for other children. In 1994,
Anti – Slavery International, an NGO working to prevent trafficking, suggested an
evolution from the practice of child domestic labor to child trafficking: “the process of
recruitment is becoming more organized, as agents and traffickers trawl rural areas
offering incentives to parents,” the NGO noted.
Specific data on Child Trafficking in The Gambia is not available.
Structural Support
The Trafficking Act
Gambian legal provisions on trafficking are comprehensive: The Children’s ACT 2005
states that ‘a person shall not engage in child trafficking’ or recruit, transport, harbor or
receive a child by means of threat, force, or other form of coercion, abduction, fraud,
United Nations Human Rights, ‘Committee on Rights of Child Begins Consideration of Initial Report of
The Gambia’, The Global Monitoring report United Nations, Accessed on 5 January 2007, from:
http://www.unhchr.org.
131
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
deception, abuse of power or position or otherwise for the purpose of sexual exploitation
or any other form of exploitation.” It goes on to state that a child’s consent may never
be raised as a defence. If convicted of such an offence, the perpetrator is liable to
imprisonment for life.
The Gambia is a member of the Network
against Human Trafficking in West Africa,
GHANA-GAMBIA: Sex slave children trafficked by
Ghanaian fishermen
which promotes collaboration among
According to the Gambian National Intelligence Agency,
NGOs as well as building capacity,
the girls were smuggled into the country without official
papers to work as sex slaves for their Ghanaian
advocacy and information sharing about
masters. Ceesay confirmed this. She said the girls were
national legal frameworks. A national
forced to “satisfy the sexual desires of older men” and
some were working full-time as prostitutes within the
hotline for reporting of suspected child
5,000-strong Ghanaian community.
trafficking was established by DoSW in
The Gambian authorities said that the girls were also
made to work long hours smoking fish and selling gari, a
2005. Additionally, CPA and Oasis
popular Ghanaian staple made from cassava. Some
boys smuggled into the Gambia were made to work as
initiated a campaign , ‘Business Travelers
fishermen. Meanwhile, their masters’ own children went
against Human Trafficking’ to involve
to school and had all their usual domestic chores, like
washing their school uniforms and even cleaning their
business travelers in reporting child
shoes, done for them by the trafficked children. The
trafficked children told Gambian officials they had been
trafficking or sexual exploitation. CPA
forbidden to contact their parents at home.
has also been active in promoting a
Integrated Regional Information Networks IRIN, 26
February 2004
Gambia
Code of Conduct for the
Protection of Children from Sexual
Exploitation in Travel and Tourism and to raise the awareness of child sex tourism by
conducting information workshops with tourist professionals and members of the Tourist
Security Unit.
Sex Tourism
UNCRC Article 34
States Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and
sexual abuse. For these purposes, States Parties shall in particular take all appropriate
national, bilateral and multilateral measures to prevent:
(a) The inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity;
(b) The exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices;
(c) The exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials.
The Tourism Industry is one of the leading contributing factors to the Gambian economy
(contributing 44 percent of GDP). During the tourist season (November – May),
inexpensive packages tout the warm and sunny Gambian weather and beautiful
beaches to thousands of mostly European tourists. Even in the climate of the global
economic crisis, The Gambia still experiences a relatively successful tourist season. Yet
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
this positive contribution to The Gambian economy has a negative underbelly. The
Gambia appeals to many tourists venturing to The Gambia for sex related activities,
including child sex tourism.
Although no up-to-date research132 has been undertaken on child sexual abuse and
exploitation, anecdotal evidence indicates that the phenomenon increasingly occurs in
The Gambia133. Few of the cases of sexual abuse by tourist which are brought to court,
and fewer still reach a successful prosecution.
Prostitution
According to the Study on the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in the Gambia
2003, prostitution is an emerging issue among both boys and girls in The Gambia.
Information gathered from the children interviewed indicated that there are many
underaged children who are engaged in prostitution around the Senegambia Tourist
Area (outside of Banjul) some as young as 12 years old.
Unlike in other parts of the world such as south East Asia, third parties acted primarily
as agents and not as captors of children 134 . The majority of prostitutes who were
interviewed for the study articulated rational reasons for their involvement in prostitution,
listing the need for money as the leading reason. One of the common themes among
some of the prostitutes interviewed is that of ‘hiding income’ from family and parents, as
there are some parents who are eager to receive supplementary income and would not
probe their daughters for information about the sources of income.
The children interviewed were from various backgrounds and age groups but a common
finding was that many had been a victim of sexual abuse as young children in the family
or school setting. This indicates a strong need to strengthen the awareness of, and
reporting of child sexual abuse in what may be considered ‘family or personal matters’.
According to this same study, a hotel proprietor estimated that 60 percent - 70 percent
of tourists come to the Gambia for sun, relaxation and cheap sex. Nevertheless, the
The UNICEF - GoTG, ‘Study on the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in The Gambia’ was
conducted in 2003.
133 In the Tourism sector, the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) and Terre des Hommes study (2003)
indicated that there is sexual exploitation of children in tourism.
134 United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Study on the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in The
Gambia’, GoTG, UNICEF, December 2003.
132
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Tourism Act was enacted after this study was conducted, which may indicate a change
of statistics. More up to date research is needed on the issue of prostitution.
Pornography
According to the Study of the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in The
Gambia, pornography does not seem to be a major problem in The Gambia, although
there have been several news stories in the media which report children being used in
films or tourists caught with pornographic photos or videos of Gambian Children.
According to the children interviewed in the study, pornographic films are readily
available and accessible by children in all parts of The Gambia. It was mainly boys who
admitted to watching these types of film, and some admitted to have ‘sexual’ feelings
and that it might lead them to want to be with girls in ways which ranged from sexual
harassment to rape if girls were around.
The study did not report any cases of children being involved in obscene exhibitions or
indecent shows for pornographic purposes, but does refer to some of the dance troupes
which perform in hotels as exploitative. These troupe organizers often select young girls
from poor families and help to entice them to join the dance troupes with promises of
meeting ‘toubabs135’ to possible travel to Europe.
Causes
There are many reasons why children in The Gambia are particularly vulnerable to
sexually exploitation. Some of these reasons are outlined below.
Poverty: The 2009 report by the Human Development Report states that over half of
Gambians (56.7 percent ) live on less than US$2 a day. Families in desperately poor
situations may accept contributions or gifts from tourists in return for allowing access to
children. Additionally, the experience of poverty in the face of an increasingly
consumerism can entice some children from poor families to see prostitution as the
quickest and best option of breaking out of a cycle of poverty, or at the least of acquiring
the some of the symbols of material wealth and success.
Gender discrimination: The effects of poverty are particularly hard on women and girls
who, due to issues of discrimination, often have less access to education, employment
or land resources. This can leave them vulnerable to various forms of exploitation.
However, boys are also vulnerable due to some of the same conditions of poverty and
both boys and girls often work as vendors or apprentices in order to contribute to the
household income. This can place them in situations that put them at risk.
135
Toubab is the local vernacular for foreigner.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Wealthy adults/ tourists: Poverty increases the vulnerability of families to accepting
promises of gifts and money by wealthy adults or tourists. While some tourists may
make genuine offers, others donate in order to get close to the family’s children.
Families may be tempted to ignore the sexual abuse of their children by the ‘donor’ in
order to meet their basic needs, while others may persuade or coerce their daughters to
become ‘friendly’ with ‘big men’. Additionally, families may be in denial about the source
of extra income from their offspring, preferring to believe that they are working in a hotel,
restaurant or bar.
Early marriage: Early marriage is a common practice136 in The Gambia. While there are
many problems associated with early marriage, the death of an older husband or
divorce often leave the wife and her children without any means of financial support.
This lack of financial resources can lead to young widows or divorcees being pushed
into prostitution. Ironically, if a girl is not married early she is often viewed as a drain on
her parents’ resources and may feel pressured to contribute to the household, which
can make her vulnerable to sexual exploitation137.
Direct interaction: Tourists can directly contact children by becoming sponsors of
educational assistance or scholarships, getting mobile numbers of children, soliciting
good from children on the beach or parking lots selling peanuts or fruit and by endearing
themselves to families by buying food for the family and then offering educational
assistance to children. Additionally, there is a broad range of actors and many ways that
tourists can access children for sexual abuse or services. As outlined in the ECPAT
Report, intermediaries can be hotel workers, taxi drivers, ‘bumsters’, and young men in
four wheel drives driving around tourist areas who appear to provide services to tourists.
Structural Support
In addition to the UNCRC and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the
Child which have been ratified by The Gambia, The Children’s Act specifically legislates
measures that protect children from sex tourism and prostitution. Under the Act,
perpetrators of a sexual offence can serve up to fourteen years. It also outlines that
anyone engaged or employed in the tourism industry commits an offense if s/he makes
any sexual advances or offers illegal services or products to a tourist. These types of
offences can lead to a fine or imprisonment of a maximum of two years and
disqualification from tourism related work for ten years.
136
137
According to the MIC, 49 percent of women aged 19- 49 were married prior to their18th birthday.
End Child Prostitution Pornography and Sex abuse – ECPAT/ UK.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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The Tourism Offences Act specifically outlines illegal acts towards child and the
penalties that may be imposed.
The National Plan of Action against the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children of
The Gambia, covering the period 2004-2009, has been submitted to the Cabinet for
approval and endorsement. Currently some of the work which is detailed in this plan is
being carried out by implementing partners, such as the DoSW who is primarily
responsible for coordinating the NPA implementation. Although the NPA was welldesigned, implementation has been somewhat fragmented due to funding constraints.
Some of the activities such as dissemination of materials on prevention of sexual abuse
and exploitation of children; and raising awareness about the Children’s Act, the
Tourism Offences Act and the Code of Conduct of The Gambia Tourism Authority for
the Protection of Children among travelers and stakeholders in the tourism industry
were funded by UNICEF. UNICEF also supported the Tourism Security Unit (TSU) and
purchased three vehicles for the TSU to patrol the beaches.
A national database on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is being
developed by the DoSW. Various trainings which have been sponsored by UNICEF,
CPA and DOSW on sexual tourism have taken place including training for the police
and immigration authorities in order to enhance the understanding of child sex tourism,
investigation techniques and interviewing skills related to sexual offences against
children. The Social Welfare Hotline is a means by which child sexual abuse,
exploitation and sex tourism can be reported.
International Structural Support
Tourists who commit sexual offences in Gambia can be prosecuted under Gambian law,
they can also be prosecuted in their country of origin for crimes committed while abroad.
Many countries such as the UK, Sweden, South Africa, Togo and Germany have extra –
territorial legislations to prosecute their nationals for sexual abuse and exploitation of a
child in a foreign country.
4.2.6. Harmful Traditional Practices
While the UNCRC protects the rights of children to participate in cultural practices and
to engage in rites that are unique to their culture. yet there are some traditions that
prove to be harmful to the rights of children and women. There is growing recognition
that harmful traditional beliefs and practices underscore violence and discrimination
against girls. This section will review two of these harmful traditional practices which
take place in The Gambia; FGM/C and early marriage.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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UNCRC Article 29 (c) The development of respect for the child's parents, his or her
own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in
which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for
civilizations different from his or her own…..
CEDAW Article 5 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures:
(a) To modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view
to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which
are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on
stereotyped roles for men and women;
4.2.6.1. Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C)
The origin of FGM/C predates Islam and Christianity, but it continues to take its toll
largely in Africa. According to studies on prevalence undertaken by organizations like
WHO and Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices at least 28 African countries
are affected by the practice in varying degrees, but the total number of victims rises to
over 100 million. According to the MICS 2005/06, 78% of the women sampled have
some level of FGM/C.
According to the WHO, there are four types of FGM/C.




Type I involves partial or total removal of the clitoris
Type II involves the partial removal of the clitoris with the partial or total excision of
the labia minora
Type III is the partial or total removal of the external genitila and stitching or
narrowing of the vaginal opening.
Type IV refers to any other traditional mutilation such as piercing, pricking or
stretching the clitoris.
Type II is the most common form which is carried out in The Gambia, although Type III
is used by some ethnic groups. VERIFY
In The Gambia, customary traditions and practices which include FGM/C are an integral
part of society. One of the major events that take place in a young person’s life is
transitioning from a child to an adult. Throughout the world, this transition from
childhood into adulthood is often marked by an initiation ceremony, which is believed to
help prepare young people for the responsibilities that come with being an adult. One of
the main initiation ceremonies in The Gambia is that of circumcision for both males and
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
females. These rites symbolically represent the flow of life through the shedding of
blood from the organs of reproduction.
The harmful effects of this practice, both physical and psychological has received much
international attention, yet is still practiced in many countries, including The Gambia. as
noted, 78 percent of respondents had undergone some sort of FMG procedure. Women
also support the circumcision of their daughters (72 percent said that they want their
daughters to go through the initiation practice MICS 2005/06.) Therefore many young
girls and women in The Gambia go through this ceremony and later face serious health
related problems, including pregnancy complications. FGM is a traumatic physical
experience with immediate complications including excruciating pain, shock, urine
retention, ulceration of the genitals and injury to adjacent tissue. Other complications
include septicaemia, infertility, obstructed labour, and even death. Yet if they do not
submit to this traditional initiation ceremony, they are often stigmatized in the community
and classified as ‘unmarriageable’.
During the Round Table Discussions that were held for the SITAN, women respondents
stated that FGM/C was a very important issue, yet expressed frustration that efforts to
abolish this were futile as the traditional belief and practices were heavily ingrained
within the culture. The sentiment that although there was significant work and
awareness raising on this issue, ‘nothing will change’. The Key Stakeholders also listed
FGM as a harmful traditional practice, yet seemed more optimistic that changes to
practices and laws could be achieved.
Causes
The causes for FMG/C have been and can be heavily debated. Reasons can range
from male dominance over women, especially women’s sexuality, the perpetuation of
violence imposed upon women, religious directives that require these initiation
ceremonies. Initiation into adulthood is the primary reason given in the Gambia for
FMG/C.
In areas where the custom is followed, everyone must undergo this practice, or the
uninitiated child is to be considered a child irrelevant of age, which can become a
stigma and is attached to great shame. In some cases, women can be classified as
‘unmarriageable’ if they have not undergone the procedure138.
138
Chikova, Social Policy, Social Protection and OVC Study in The Gambia, July 2009
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Reasons for FGM/C in The Gambia other than initiation ceremonies are briefly summarized
below.

Safeguarding the chastity of girls – as a means to protect the chastity or virtue of
girls, FGM/C is carried out.

Marriageability – as noted above, in the many communities where it is practices,
virginity is seen as a requirement to marriage. The FGM/C is seen to ensure virginity
and therefore ensure that she is marriageable.

Sexuality – studies have suggested that FGM/C is a way of not only preventing premarital sex, but also of curbing a woman’s sexual desire. There is a concern that a
man’s energies would be used up if he married an uncircumcised woman, and this is
particularly so in polygamous relationships. While women may not feel that FGM/C
is a way in which men control women’s sexuality, many Gambian men feel that it is
an important consideration. (Daffeh et al, 1999)139.

Economic Factors – money that is paid for the FGM/C provides a supplementary
income to the practitioner. Studies show varying degrees of importance regarding
this income, but there is usually a payment made for the procedure140.
The level of education has some influence as to whether women undergo the FGM/C,
with women (ages 15 – 49 years) who are uneducated with the highest incidence of
FGM/C, as per the chart below.
Chart 17: FGM/C as per Education Level of the Woman
139
Koroma, JM., ‘Female Genital Mutilation in The Gambia, A Desk Review’, Women’s Bureau, 2002
140
WHO, Female genital mutilation, Fact Sheet N 241, February 2010
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Source: MICS 2005/06
Structural Support
There are national organizations which are committed to raising awareness and helping
to change the laws and traditional practices that promote and carry out FGM. For over
two decades, the foundation for Research on Women’s Reproductive health Productivity
and Environment (BAFROW) and the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices
(GAMCOTRAP), in collaboration with government have developed to address Harmful
Traditional Practices such as FGM/C141.
According to the UNCRC, the ACRWC, and the Women and Children’s Act, children
and women shall be protected from harm or abuse. The CEDAW specifically outlines
that cultural practices that are harmful to women can be modified or abolished. Yet
efforts to include specific language prohibiting the practice into the Women’s Bill have
been thwarted due to pressure from those members of parliament who uphold the
traditional practice. Language regarding Early marriage, divorce and inheritance
include , ‘unless customary laws apply’ allow for some of these practices that outwardly
discriminate against women to continue.
While FGM/C is not specifically addressed national legislation, any harmful practice that
endangers children is clearly outlined in the Children’s Act 2005. In March 1997,
working in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the Gambian government
initiated a 20-year strategy to eradicate FGM. As a result, government ministers, health
officials, and the media have discussed FGM more frequently; however, no statistics are
available to determine the results of the program.
141
African Union, ‘AU Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa’ (Declaration).
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
There have also been specific approaches tried to address the issue of FGM/C. Some
of these efforts center around focusing on human rights and how FGM/C is a violation of
basic human rights of women and children. According to Medical Research Council,
these types of interventions are less successful and more controversial than outlining
some of the medical reasons in which FGM/C is harmful.
The provision of economic incentives to the practitioners has also been tried as a
means to reduce the incidence of FGM/C by the Association for Promotion Girls and
Women’s Advancement (APGWA). APGWA provides health care for women through a
visiting midwife and also material benefits, which are distributed to communities that
agree to discontinue the practice. Bafrow has provided income generation training for
circumcisers and community members. The Alternative Employment Opportunities
Feasibility Study which was carried out in 2001 found that all of the identified
circumcisers were willing to give up the practice if assisted with an alternative source of
income.
4.2.6.2.
Early Marriage
There are three key events that take place in most people’s lives; birth death and
marriage. Only one of these is a matter of choice, marriage. Yet there are many girls
who are married without a chance to make this decision. Some are forced into marriage
at an early age and others may be too young to make an informed decision 142. The
following section explores the relatively common practice of early marriage in The
Gambia.
CEDAW Article 5 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures: (a) To modify the
social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view to achieving the
elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which are based on the
idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for
men and women..
In The Gambia, there is no minimum legal age and child marriage is not prohibited by
law. In practice, girls can be married at the age of twelve years. Early marriage in The
Gambia results in young girls who are pregnant and not physiologically (or
psychologically) ready for pregnancy. As reported in the MICS 2005/06, 10 percent of
142United
Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Early Marriage – Child Spouses’, Birth, marriage and death are the
standard, UNICEF, Innocenti Research, http://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/digest7e.pdf, March
2001.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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women (aged 15-49) reported being married before the age of fifteen and 49 percent
before the age of eighteen.
Early marriage can result in negative physical and emotional conditions. Young girls
who are not physically mature may be hurt during sexual activity. Younger women face
higher risks during pregnancy such as heavy bleeding, infection, anaemia and
eclampsia. Psychological issues associated with isolation or some of the responsibilities
of marriage can negatively affect a young girl’s mental state, creating stress or
nervousness. Some of the specific negative consequences are outlined below.
There is a strong correlation between the age of a mother and maternal mortality. Girls
aged l0-14 are five times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth than women aged
20-24 and girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely to die143. Young mothers face higher risks
during pregnancies including complications such as heavy bleeding, fistula, infection,
anaemia, and eclampsia which contribute to higher mortality rates of both mother and
child. At a young age a girl has not developed fully and her body may strain under the
effort of child birth, which can result in obstructed labour and obstetric fistula. Obstetric
fistula can also be caused by the early sexual relations associated with child marriage,
which take place sometimes even before menarche.
Good prenatal care reduces the risk of childbirth complications, but in many instances,
due to the limited autonomy or freedom of movement, young wives are not able to
negotiate access to health care. They may be unable to access health services because
of distance, fear, expense or the need for permission from a spouse or in-laws. These
barriers aggravate the risks of maternal complications and mortality for pregnant
adolescents. As pointed out in FGDs, distance and poor roads limit accessibility to
health facilities, especially if there are pregnancy complications and time are perhaps
the most critical factors.
Child brides may also suffer vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Being young and female in Africa
is a major risk factor for infection and young girls are being infected at a considerably
disproportional rate to that of boys. Whilst early marriages are sometimes seen by
parents as a mechanism for protecting their daughters from HIV/AIDS, future husbands
may already be infected from previous sexual encounters; a risk which is particularly
acute for girls with older husbands144. The age disparity between a child bride and her
husband, in addition to her low economic autonomy, further increases a girl's
vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It exacerbates the abilities of girls and women to make and
143
UNFPA, 2005, Child marriage Factsheet
The Forum on Marriage and the Rights of Women and Girls, Early marriage and Poverty - Exploring links for
policy and programme development, 2003
144
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
negotiate sexual decisions, including whether or not to engage in sexual activity, issues
relating to the use of contraception and condoms for protecting against HIV infection,
and also their ability to demand fidelity from their husbands145.
There is also a clear link between FGM/C and child and early marriages. Communities
who practice FGM/C are also more likely to practice child marriages. In some societies,
it it is relatively common in FGM/C practicing communities for a man to refuse to marry
a girl or woman who has not undergone FGM/C, or to demand that FGM is carried out
before marriage146.
Causes
There are many reasons for early marriage. Some of the key issues as related to
poverty and cultural practices are outlined below.
Poverty - In families where poverty is prevalent, a girl may be seen as an economic
burden and the marriage to an older man who is economically stable may be believed to
benefit the child and the family in economic gain. Also the dowry is an economic
incentive to marry off girls. As per the chart below, early marriage is much more
common among households in the lower wealth quintiles.
Chart 18: Early Marriage in relation to Wealth Quintile in The Gambia
Source: MICS 2005/06
Traditions and customs among ethnic groups
Early marriage is a traditional custom among various ethnic groups in The Gambia and
age for marriage differs according to ethnic groups 147 . For example, for Fulas and
FORWARD UK, ‘Developmental consequences’, http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/childmarriage
146 FORWARD UK, ‘Developmental consequences’, http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/childmarriage
147
UNICEF, ‘Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy Report, UNICEF, GoTG, June 2000, pg 15
145
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Jalunkas – 13 years old is the norm, for Mandinkas – 15 – 16 years old and for
Sarahules – 15 years. This tradition of a young marriage age, makes early marriage
more common in Fula and Mandinka ethnic groups as demonstrated in the chart below.
Chart 19: Early Marriage as per Ethnicity in The Gambia
Source: MICS 2005/06
As noted earlier the basic types of marriage in The Gambia are civil, religious (Christian)
or customary/traditional. The most common is customary or traditional which is based
on tribal practices or guided by Sharia Law. As specific ages for marriage are not
clearly defined by Customary or Sharia law, there are instances where girls as young as
11 or 12 are given away by their parents to older men without the consent of the girl148.
Safeguarding women’s honor by protecting her fidelity is another reason for early
marriages, ‘According to traditional ideology, strict sexual control of girls prior to
marriage promotes their physical, social and spiritual well being. Female sexual restrain
is believed to be important in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies or children born
out of wedlock, which previously was a source of great shame to families. Also a
woman’s sexual fidelity within marriage was a guarantee of the paternity of children for
the husband and his family.’ Premarital sex in discouraged in most ethnic groups in The
Gambia149.
Adolescence is traditionally not seen as a natural stage of childhood development
among most ethnic groups. Once the initiation ceremony has been conducted, boys
and girls go directly from childhood to adulthood. Boys may be sent to school or to work
until marriage, whereas girls are seen as eligible for marriage once they become an
adult.
Structural Support
148
149
UNICEF, ‘Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy Report, UNICEF, GoTG, June 2000, pg 14
UNICEF, ‘Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy Report, UNICEF, GoTG, June 2000, pg 15
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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There are some NGOs (and other agencies) such as GAMCOTRAP, FAWEGAM, and
Bafrow who work to raise awareness about harmful traditional practices such as early
marriage and advocate for a change of attitudes and legislation.
4.3. Child Development - Child Development Rights include the right to education, play,
leisure, cultural activities, access to information, and freedom of thought, conscience
and religion.
4.3.1. Education
UNCRC Article 28
1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to
achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in
particular:
(a) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;
(b) Encourage the development of different forms of secondary education, including
general and vocational education, make them available and accessible to every child,
and take appropriate measures such as the introduction of free education and offering
financial assistance in case of need;
(c) Make higher education accessible to all on the basis of capacity by every
appropriate means;
(d) Make educational and vocational information and guidance available and accessible
to all children;
(e) Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools and the reduction of
drop-out rates.
4.3.1.1. Formal Education
Early Childhood Development
UNCRC Article 29
1. States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to: (a) the
development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their
fullest potential….
Early Childhood Development programming is critical to the long
term development of children. Early childhood is a vital phase of
life in terms of a child's intellectual, emotional and social
development. The growth of mental abilities is at an astounding
rate and high proportion of learning takes place during this period.
The first eight years of life is when the brain develops and
stimulation is needed to ensure that children can reach their full
“The early years of
human development
establish the basic
architecture and
function of the brain.”
(J. Fraser Mustard)
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
potential.
There are approximately 28,000 children attending 1,244 ECD centers throughout The
Gambia. While the government supports ECD centers with regulatory standards,
supervision and monitoring, the majority of these centers are in the realm of private
entities. A strategy to target the annexation of ECD centres to primary schools has been
started, with 472 ECD centres currently under the basic primary school structure. The
impetus to target remote rural regions for annexation was triggered by the need to
address disparities in access to ECD provisions. Until this annexation, ECD centres
benefited mainly children in the urban and semi-urban regions, which are the areas
where privately owned ECD provisions abound, and which are not accessible to the
poorest children150.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) Key service components include ECD Centres
catering for 3 - 6-year-olds and Clinics and Daycare Centres for 0-2-year-olds. The
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) provides technical assistance for
ECD Centres, while the Ministry of Community Development supports Daycare Centres.
But the overall administrative and policy responsibility for ECD lies with the MoBSE,
which oversees a national multi-sectoral working group. Currently the gross enrolment
rate of ECD is approximately 51 percent, which is a great improvement over past rates
which hovered around 20 percent.
Causes
There are several reasons which lead to a low enrolment in ECD centres, which center
on availability, affordability and quality.
Availability
Until recently, centers were not covered under the umbrella of the MoBSE and the
responsibility fell on the parents and communities to provide these services. Therefore
not all communities could afford or had the expertise to establish ECD centers, which
resulted in part to an unequal distribution of ECD centres, especially in rural areas.
As the majority of service providers are private and located in urban or peri – urban
centers, 42 percent of urban children attend ECD centers compared to only 14 percent
in rural areas. This gap in rural and urban ECD enrolment clearly demonstrates the
inequity in the provision of early childhood development services that are critical to the
Sowe, M., Draft Report UNICEF, ‘A Case Study on Early Childhood Development School Readiness
in The Gambia, July 2010
150
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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intellectual development of children and impact their academic success throughout their
life.
Affordability
As noted, ECD is largely provided by the private sector, making affordability an issue
and a major constraint for poorer households. This problem is more pronounced in the
rural areas, where poverty is more acute and where the tradition of leaving children in
the care of siblings or grandparents, or having children accompanying their mothers to
the farms or other work places, still remain the dominant practice for early childhood
care. ( MoBSE 2006)151.
Quality
And finally, the quality of learning varies greatly; private (more expensive) centers
normally offer higher quality and better care and instruction, and the community centers
suffer from poorer quality instruction. Parents may be reluctant to send young children
to centers when there is little or no learning achieved.
Structural Support
In its National Education Policy for 2004-2015 the Government of Gambia announced a
plan to create ECD Centres for 3-6-year olds on the premises of primary schools in the
most disadvantaged areas. The plan aims to optimise the existing school infrastructure
and workforce for early childhood152. To date 472 ECD centers have been put under the
supervision of basic primary schools, with plans for further expansion.
Primary, secondary and tertiary education
School enrolment and attendance
Overall Gross Enrolment Rates in the Gambia is 92 percent, which is well above the sub Saharan average of 69 percent. Nevertheless there are regional disparities between urban and
rural areas, with rural areas only registering around 45 -67 percent 153 . There has been a
dramatic increase in girls’ enrolment levels in basic primary schools since 2005/06, with girls’
enrolment surpassing that of boys in 2008/09 as shown in the chart below.
Chart 20: NET Enrollment Rates in Basic Education Cycle
Sowe, M., Draft Report UNICEF, ‘A Case Study on Early Childhood Development School Readiness
in The Gambia, July 2010
152 United Nations Educational Scientific and cultural Organization, ‘ECD programming’, UNESCO
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/.
153United Nations Children’s Fund, PIQSS Concept Paper, UNICEF.
151
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
58%
2007/2008
60%
Boys
Girls
62%
2005/2006
52%
56%
54%
56%
58%
60%
62%
Source:
While gender parity has been realized in primary education, there are still significant
gaps in girls’ education in secondary schools. (Girls’ education is address in the
following section).
The ETA/FTI has contributed to the increases in GERs across the country, yet there are
variables across regions, income groups and mother’s education level, especially for
secondary schools154. The chart below demonstrates the disparity in education rates
among the various LGAs in the Gambia, which shows the gap in secondary education
attendance in rural areas.
INSERT CHART
The Net Enrolment rate for Basic Education in The Gambia was 77 percent in
2008/09155. Variance of enrolment is demonstrated among regions with Banjul at the
highest, reaching Education for All targets of 100 percent, while Upper River and North
Bank have the lowest rates, with 45 percent and 53 percent, respectively.
Madarasa Education continues to thrive throughout The Gambia, particularly in rural
areas. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and the General
Secretariat for Islamic/Arabic Education (GSIAE) worked to synchronize the various
syllabuses in order to standardize learning and improve overall quality, which has
contributed to improving adult literacy rates.
Growth rates
The education sector has seen significant progress over the past several decades,
which has resulted in gender parity at the basic level. Basic education has seen an
World Bank, ‘Poverty reduction Challenges and Opportunities’, Poverty Assessment, World Bank, May
29, 2009.
155 This includes the Madrassa education structure which is recognized in the formal education structure.
154
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
increasing trend of enrolment, especially for girls as the chart below demonstrates.
(Lower Basic 3% average annual growth since 2000: 16% for private institutions, which
have the highest growth rate).
Growth rates – overall growth rates of education has increased overall since 2009,
especially in the private sector, as follows;

As outlined in the graph above, Lower Basic 3% average annual growth since 2000:
(16% for private institutions having the highest growth rate).
Chart 21: Basic Lower Level Enrolment in The Gambia 2000 – 2009
Source:

Since 2005 grant aided education has experienced a drop of 4 percent while public
institutions have remained stable. Enrolment in Madrassa schools has also
increased by 16 percent over the last 5 years.

Upper Basic education: 7% increase in enrolment since 2000 and 3% since 2005
compare with respectively 43% and 24% for Madrassa. Only private enrolment has
decreased.

Senior Secondary: average growth rate of 10% since 2000 (3% since 2005).
Nevertheless, completion and transition rates are still higher for boys and drop out rates
are higher for girls especially post primary rates.
Causes/ Identified Barriers to Education
While The Gambia Government has prioritized quality, access and management in the
education sector, and has made progress in addressing some of the issues related to
access, there is still a great need to identify and address access and understand why
not all children in The Gambia are attending school. According to a desk review from
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
recently commissioned UNICEF ‘Barriers to Education Study’ 156 , there are many
reasons why children do not attend school. These reasons are outlined below.
Poverty and hunger – There is a wide discrepancy in enrolment rates between children
in the upper wealth quintile (80 percent) and the lowest quintile (20 percent). Children
from poorer households often must help with domestic chores, child minding, or even
have to forego school to work in order to contribute to the family income. Hunger
prevents many children from attending school and if children are in school, can affect
concentration which directly impacts school performance. The following chart
demonstrates the disparities of enrolment as per the wealth quintiles.
Costs – While free basic education is implemented in the Gambia, there are costs
beyond the school fees, such as uniform, books, food, etc that make it difficult for lower
income children to attend. Opportunity costs of having a child in school rather than at
home helping with domestic chores or child care also impact the right of children to
attend school.
Perceptions of schooling – If parents feel that an education may corrupt or spoil their
children, they are hesitant to send them. Equally if children are bored or do not feel that
they are learning they may not be encouraged to attend school.
Socio-cultural factors – Many traditions such as early marriage and beliefs that
educated women will have more difficulty finding husbands are a deterrent to sending
children, mostly girls to school.
Quality and relevance of education – The government’s three main educational priorities
are access, quality, including relevance, and management. Access to education has
been significantly improved, as demonstrated by increased enrolment rates, yet quality
remains a challenge that needs to be addressed.
Additionally many parents do not view the curriculum relevant for today’s changing
economic environment. Many parents view education as an investment and that
children once they go through the education system should be able to find employment
and support the family. All too often this is not the reality. Children can pass through
either primary or secondary schools who at the end demonstrates little academic
achievement or skills that could qualify them for a vocation. At the same time, the child
does not want or know how to farm and is seen as a non productive or contributing
member of the family. This is an issue the government is addressing as it reviews and
restructures the current curriculum.
156
At time of draft report this document is in DRAFT form.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Gender Based Violence (GBV) – While statistics on GBV in schools are not available,
the incident of violence toward girls in school have detrimental effects on the willingness
of girls to go to school. Safety is a one of the major concerns parents express about
sending children, especially girls, to schools located far distance from the home or away
to boarding schools for higher level education.
Limited Access to children with disabilities – The national policy aims to mainstream
children with special needs into schools, yet there is little teacher training or appropriate
infrastructure for these children.
Some of the reasons for low enrolment rates that were identified by RTD and FGD
participants were access to school, especially secondary schools, a lack of qualified
teachers, especially in rural areas where there are sometimes only 2 – 3 teachers in a
primary school consisting of six grades, sexual harassment (especially for girls) or
physical intimidation by teachers and students, and the high cost of secondary school
fees or ‘hidden costs’ associated with primary school.
As noted, quality and relevance Issues are some of the most important factors that may
prevent parents from sending children to school. Evidence of this can be attributed to
the lower scores in subject matter by students. In the National Assessment Test, only
10 percent of students in grades 3 and 5 reached the mastery level (73%) in three core
subjects ; Maths, English and Science. This information is supported by a 2007 study to
determine the early grade reading skills of children in grade 3 across the country. This
study found that an average of zero percent passed the skills test, indicating that
children at this level cannot read. Some of the reason for low performance can be
attributed to poor reading skills of children due to the absence of phonetics from the
teacher training program, poor parental support for children’s learning (many parents
are illiterate), the low quality of teaching, an inadequate supply of teaching and learning
materials, and poor supervision and monitoring of teachers157.
There are some significant disparities that exist in the education sector which indicate
that poverty is the most discriminating factor and that rural areas (5, 6) are at the
greatest disadvantage. Additionally, limited resources are not equitably distributed as 31
percent of the public education expenditures are used for only 10 percent of the most
educated. There are specific disparities that exist within regions which need to
assessed and addressed, but general disparities focus on poverty, gender and area of
residence - urban vs. rural.
157
Presentation for Visibility Kit, UNICEF
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010

Thirty five percent of children in the poorest quintile and 22 percent of children in the
second poorest quintile are out of school. For completion rates, the greatest
disparities are based on wealth quintiles: Thirty-eight percent of children in the
richest quintile complete grade twelve, while only 3 percent of the poorest quintile
complete grade twelve.

Both gender and poverty have significant impact on completion rates for boys and
girls. Boys in the poorest quintile in rural areas have only a 5 percent chance to
complete Grade 12, (compare this to 43% for the wealthiest boys in urban settings).
Girls in rural areas in the poorest quintile have no chance (0%) of completing
secondary school. This is alarmingly and places poor girls in rural settings in
extremely vulnerable conditions with no chance for post primary educational
opportunities. Boys in similar rural settings fare only marginally better, with a 5
percent completion rate. This further emphasizes the need to address the issues
children in rural areas face and expand access to educational opportunities,
especially secondary schools in rural areas.

In the most rural regions, there is an approximate average of one fourth of children
who are out of school.
There are no gender disparities at Lower Basic or Upper Basic Education levels, but
disparities start to emerge in Senior Secondary School. For example in Grade 12
there are 32 percent boys and only 25 girls, which is 12 percentage point variation.
In the urban setting, boys in the richest quintile have a 43 percent completion rate,
which is a 12 percentage point better chance of completing grade 12 than girls in the
richest quintile, with a 35% completion rate,


These statistics indicate alarming disparities which place poor children in rural areas at
a great disadvantage in regards to education, especially access and completion of
secondary schools. This has direct implications on the continuing cycle of poverty, as
persons in these areas, with little or no education may not be qualified for high paying
jobs, and therefore remain in lower economic status. This perpetuates poverty as these
same populations may not be able to afford to send their children to secondary school.
Tertiary education enrolment is low due to limited funding opportunities or scholarships
for poor students, poor secondary school performance and a lack of secondary schools
in rural areas which greatly decreases secondary school enrolment and ensuing
progression to tertiary schools. There are opportunities for vocational and technical
training exist, but this sector continues to experience challenges such as access to
material and financial resources.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Structural support
There have been effective government programs that are supported through various
donors and NGOS which address some of the barriers to education. Some of these
government programs are outline briefly below.
The DfID funded Whole School Development Program focuses on improving quality
education in schools through improved school management, increased community
participation, teacher training, curriculum development, and closer monitoring. The
Quality Assurance Framework, the Primary Teacher Certificate Extension Program and
the development of improved monitoring tools support the WSD program.
The Child Friendly Schools supported through UNICEF funding encourage the full
participation of all parties involved in the education of children to improve the overall
effectiveness of the learning environment, including quality, retention and infrastructure.
CFSI includes initiatives such as Mother’s Clubs and School Management Committees.
4.3.1.2. Non Formal Education pending data and information from MoBSE
4.3.1.3. Girls Education
UNCRC Article 2 States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the
present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any
kind, irrespective of the child's or his or her parent's or legal guardian's race, colour,
sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin,
property, disability, birth or other status.
A vigorous campaign in 2002 for girl’s education resulted in the creation of the ‘Girl
Friendly Schools Initiative’ and scholarship programs for girls. The percent of girls
enrolled in primary school is currently 77% (gross). Secondary school enrolment rates
are 47% for males and 43% female (gross). The proportion of female to male enrolment
rates in primary school education now stands at 109% and the net female attendance in
comparison to male attendance is 103% (EMIS 2008). Literacy among youths (15 -24)
during the period from 2003 – 2008 show 63% of young males and 41% of young
females are literate (EMIS 2008).Thanks to the efforts of the Adult and Non-formal
Education Unit (AnFEU) of the MoBSE which initiated literacy and functional literacy
programs for women in particular in collaboration with Community Skills Improvement
Project (CSIP) in the rural areas. These programs have proved successful in improving
the literacy skills of the rural women and at the same time helped to motivate them to
send their girls to school, which increased girls’ enrolment rates. There is now concern,
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
however, that male enrolment rates have dropped below that of girls in some regions
(Education Sector Strategic Plan, 2006 – 2015)158.
This chart below shows that there have been improvements in terms of enrolment and
gender parity during the last decade, but there is still more room for improvement if The
Gambia is to attain the recommendations of the World Education Forum {Dakar 2000).
Chart 22:Girls Education Statistics in The Gambia
Indicator (Female)
2001
2004
2006
2008
Enrolment
180,276
(85,503)
204,638
(92,007)
220,423
(111,883)
238,469
(174,142)
Gender Parity Index
0.82
0.90
1.03
1.03
Proportion of Girls
47%
49%
51%
51%
Gross Intake Rate
98%
(85%)
98%
(86%)
101 %
(88%)
101 %
(90%)
Gross Enrolment
Ratio
90%
(85%)
91%
(85%)
91%
(93%)
92%
(93%)
Completion Rate
58%
(60%)
63%
(65%)
65%
(67%)
70%
(73%)
Repetition Rate
7%
(7%)
5%
(6%)
5%
(5%)
5%
(5%)
Source:
Causes
The causes identified as barriers to education in the previous section apply to girls’
enrolment rates. Yet there are also reasons which are unique to girls for lower
enrolment which are explored below.
Some of the reasons which were raised in the RTDs for a low enrolment rate for girls for
post primary education (phrased as a low retention rate of girls) were poverty, teenage
pregnancy (which can be also be attributed to poverty, see chapter five) sexual
harassment in schools, ignorance about the importance of girls education, a preference
on male education for economic reasons, and too heavy a work load for girls, especially
in rural areas. Additionally, participants raised the issue of girls not be encourages to go
158
Sowe, M., Draft Report UNICEF, ‘A Case Study on Early Childhood Development School Readiness in
The Gambia, July 2010
131
Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
into sciences and maths which can lead to greater opportunities for post secondary
education and lead to more lucrative long term employment opportunities.
Structural Support
Government of The Gambia through The Department of State for Education in
collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners such as the World Bank
have pursued a number of strategies within the context of its current education policy to
meet its objectives. These strategies are:
Policy Development: ensuring a favourable policy environment for girls' education has
increasingly become a top priority for the Department of State for Education and the
Government of The Gambia. Recently, these include the Education for All (EFA)
Assessment, Monitoring of Learning Achievement (MLA), Disability Survey and
Mainstreaming of Disability in schools, the Situation Analysis of Women and Children in
the country. UNICEF has provided technical and financial support to several of these
policy initiatives linked to girls' education.
Capacity Building: building the human and material capacities of the Girls' Education
Unit of the Department of State for Education to better deliver quality educational
services to all especially girls has been a priority for the Department. This included
training and provision of equipment. UNICEF has supported the capacity building efforts
of government by contributing to the training of education officers, teachers and Early
Childhood Care facilitators at both pre-service and in-service levels and training of
school guidance counsellors. It has also provided vehicles and computer equipment to
various units of the Department of State for Education and to The Gambia Chapter of
the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE-GAM).
Service delivery: The Department of State for Education is not only interested in
increasing access to education but also improving the quality of education. To this end,
it has consistently tried to make basic learning materials accessible to every child. With
the support of a United States National Committee called Alpha Kappa Gama, UNICEF
has contributed to this effort by providing 40,000 copies of core textbooks for girls in
grade one, to reduce the direct cost of education and ensure access to learning
materials which is a prerequisite for quality education.
Advocacy and Social Mobilisation: the Government has all along been aware of the
importance of advocacy, sensitisation and mobilisation of communities to ensure
sustainability and change negative attitudes towards the education of girls. UNICEF has
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
supported sensitisation campaigns of the Department of State for Education to raise
awareness and mobilise resources for girls’ education.
Community Empowerment: this has been done through training of communities in
management, parenting education, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA)
methodology. UNICEF has also provided financial assistance to women in communities
to use as seed money to support the education of their daughters.
Partnership and Alliance Building: UNICEF has supported the establishment of working
groups and task forces in support of girls' education. It has also enhanced the
mobilisation of youth and civil society organisations in support of girls' education nationwide, as well as successfully mobilising Non Government Organisations and donors,
such as the United States Peace Corps, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services
Overseas and FAWE-GAM in the area of girls' education159.
4.3.1.4. Sexual Harassment and Exploitation in Schools
In the Gambia and many other countries across Africa, commercial sexual exploitation
of children (CSEC) is widespread in schools, as children are often forced to engage in
sexual acts with teachers in exchange for better grades, reductions in school fees or
other types of in-kind compensation. In focus group discussions carried out with
Gambian school children by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2003, the
topic of sexual harassment of girls by male teachers (and also male students)
dominated discussions, suggesting that sexual abuse and exploitation of children are
commonplace and affect the majority of schoolgirls. The incidences reported ranged
from unwanted comments with sexual overtones to physical touching or molestation and
in some cases to full-blown sexual relations or rape. Most students equated sexual
harassment with rape and maintained that it is common in schools160.
In support of these findings The Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy Study (2000)
concluded that sexual abuse and sexual harassment of children is taking place in
schools by teachers and other male students.
Causes
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Girls Education’, UNICEF, GoTG.
Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for sexual purposes, ‘Global
Monitoring Report’, ECPAT.
159
160 End
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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The sexual exploitation and harassment of students is due to a variety of factors such
as poverty, a male hierarchal social structure where girls and women have a secondary
status to men, and the power dynamics that exist in schools and other places which
have a hierarchical structure such as the workplace. (Teacher – student, bosssubordinate).
Traditionally in The Gambia children hold subordinate roles in comparison with adults,
which start in early childhood. Children are taught to listen to and obey adults in almost
every situation. This is true in most institutional structures, including the school and may
result in an environment when children do what teachers tell them, regardless of the
nature of the instruction. This may create an environment in which sexual harassment
and exploitation are tolerated.
Structural Support
The Gender Education Unit at the Department of State for Education implements a
Girls’ Education Programme, which aims to increase girls’ enrolment and retention in
schools, as well as to improve the school environment in ways that are sensitive to their
needs. Their work includes sensitisation on sexual exploitation and harassment of
children in schools and a re-entry programme for students who become pregnant. A
Guidance and Counselling Unit was set up at the Department of State for Education
Headquarters in Banjul, and some schools were provided with guidance counsellors to
assist students experiencing problems such as sexual exploitation, abuse or
harassment, and unwanted pregnancy.
The Sexual Harassment Policy of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education’ was
drafted in 2005, but has yet to be legislated. Child Protection Alliance (CPA) and Save
the Children /Sweden in close collaboration with the government authored and distribute
a Guide to ‘Understanding Sexual Harassment and the Sexual Harassment Policy of the
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education’. Sensitization on the policy and distribution
of the booklet has been carried out in schools in The Gambia.
4.3.1.5. Programme for Improved Quality Standards in Schools (PIQSS)
In recognition of the overall education goals focusing on quality, access, and
management, the GoTG has worked with education stakeholders to streamline
education initiatives such as the UNICEF’s Child Friendly School initiative and the Basic
Education Support for Poverty Reduction implemented with DfID support. It is
envisioned that synchronizing the two approaches will be a more effective strategy
labeled the Programme for Improved Quality Standards in Schools. This comprehensive
approach will directly impact the well –being and rights of children to quality education.
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The four target areas which will be prioritized are
1. Academic Effectiveness – focusing on child centered methodologies
2. School Environment – provision of adequate sanitation, and community
involvement, including Mother’s Clubs and School Management Committees.
3. Leadership and Management – strengthening operational, financial and planning
systems.
4. Monitoring and Quality Assurance – improvement of monitoring tools but internal
and external monitoring.
The program will be phased into the education system in three phases which
commenced in October 2010.
4.4. Child Participation - Child Participation Rights encompass children’s freedom to
express opinions, to have a say in matters affecting their own lives, to join associations
and to assemble peacefully. As their abilities develop children are to have increasing
opportunities to participate in the activities of their society, in preparation for responsible
adulthood.
Introduction
4.4.1. Decision making within social structures
Children have the right to participate in decisions that affect their live and in the society
in which they live. In The Gambia, there are limited opportunities for this kind of
participation.
UNCRC Article 12 1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming
his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the
child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and
maturity of the child.
Children and youth participants in the RTDs and FGDs voiced strong opinions about the
need to be involved in decision making at all levels. They feel that their opinions and
concerns go unnoticed or ignored. In the community, children are rarely asked their
opinion, or little value is given to their concerns. In school, avenues for including
children in decision making are few. Children are rarely given an opportunity to express
their ideas or opinions on the management of the school, children are provided ‘token’
representation on the School Management Committees and do not have real influence
over decisions that affect school policies or procedures. Again, participants in the RTD
and FGDs expressed frustration at this lack of involvement.
Causes
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In the Gambia, primarily due to the traditional patriarchal social structure, men as the
head of the household make decisions affecting the family, at the community level,
village leaders, who are for the vast majority men, make decisions 161 , and at the
national level, children are not represented in national politics162 nor are issues that are
raised by children on the agenda of political parties.
Under the traditional family structure, the husband or father is responsible for virtually all
decisions, even those which directly affect women and children. While there may be
times when a woman is consulted, children are hardly ever consulted and decisions are
taken for them without seeking their opinion. “Culturally they remain voiceless in the
decision-making process”163.
An example of this exclusion was provided during the RTDs, when one of the
participants explained that he was not notified or given any opportunity to voice
concerns about a major decision that affected his family. The lack of input in the
decision making process affected this youth so much that his grades suffered and he
did poorly in the year end examinations.
School
In The Gambia, schools are managed by the School Management Committees (SMCs).
This committee is made of parents, teachers, administrators and student
representatives. Due in part to cultural traditions, children are not used to being in
positions of shared power with adults and are thus are not as effective members as the
adults on the SMC. Therefore while representation is granted, in general children do
not have meaningful input into the overall management of the school.
Traditionally in The Gambia children hold subordinate roles in comparison with adults,
which start in early childhood. Children are not normally given opportunities to
collaborate with adults in a formalized structure. In fact, in certain situations, child
looking directly into the eyes of an adult can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. This
may diminish the decision making role of children as members of the SMC.
At the community level, purely village matters are decided upon by a village meeting.
The right to attend this meeting depends upon the ethnic group, the locality and the
local custom. Among patrialineal societies, such as the Mandingo and the Wolof (the
Sagnia, ‘The Influences of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development Effectiveness in The Gambia’,
August 2010.
162 The legal voting age is 18 years old.
163 Sagnia, ‘The Influences of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development Effectiveness in The Gambia’,
August 2010, pg. 47-48.
161
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majority ethnic groups in The Gambia); only adult male elders generally speak. If the
subject of the meeting concerns women or children, the elder of that group may be
asked to attend. It is expected that compound or family heads (men) would have
thoroughly discussed the issues with their families and one another and have reached
consensus before the village meeting. Therefore it seems that women and children
particularly have little voice at the family level which would impact the level of input at
the community level164.
Structural Support
While the government recognizes the need to encourage the participation of children
and youth in national decision making, there are no forums for this involvement. Child
forums or the National Day of the child are not given sufficient attention and resources.
Programs that focus on child and youth participation such as the Voice of the Young
implemented by Child Protection Alliance (CPA) actively seek to increase the
participation of youth in the Gambia.
The National Youth Policy clearly articulates the rights of youth to participate in the
development of the nation.
National Youth Policy
The National Youth Policy 2009 – 2018 seeks to address the issues and rights of youth
to ensure full engage and participation in the development of the nation. This is the third
ten year policy and specifically targets out of school youth, unemployed youth, youth in
rural areas, young people with disabilities or HIV/AIDS and emphasizes the needs of
young women in this policy.
Youth as defined in the national Youth Policy 2009 -2018 are young men and women
from the ages of 13 – 30 years of age. (Although persons outside of this range can still
benefit from youth oriented programming.) According to the policy, youth make up 47
percent of the population and youth unemployment is estimate at approximately 22
percent, which is well above the national average. The policy aims to engage these
youth for the overall development of the country. As such it seeks to empower youth by
addressing the following objectives:
1. To invest in youth for national development
2. To create employment of out of school youth
Sagnia, ‘The Influences of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development Effectiveness in The Gambia’,
August 2010.
164
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3. To enable youth in the country operate within a wide variety of cultures as such a
culturally sensitive approaches with regard to mainstreaming the perspectives of
youth in all national an local interventions
4. To ensure that the youth policy reflect the full participation of both male and
female in national development – not only to ensure youth participation, but to
also increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Youth Council.
5. To enable the NYC to coordinate the implementation of youth projects and
programmes based on sound youth dimension with a view to investing in the
future of Gambian Youth.
6. To put in place institutional procedures based on policy guidelines which ensure
that the needs of boys, girls, men and women are all met equitably in the national
youth policy.
7. To formulate a framework the measures and ensures that youth – specific issues
are systematically identified and addressed
8. To ensure that data on beneficiaries is disaggregated by sex for needs
assessment an programme planning and youth analysis is integrated into
programme design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation
9. To design strategies for capacity building in youth and investment mainstreaming
as part of Institutional development programmes with special attention to staff
training on youth mainstreaming and youth analysis
10. To ensure that reporting and accountability mechanisms for activities and results
in youth and investment are put in place.
The policy recognizes that the goals set out in the last Youth Policy have not been
realized and aims to improve progress on these strategies and to introduce issues
which are relevant in the current context. Some of these strategies are structure in
recognition of the traditional power structure and the limited role of youth in decision
making. This came out strongly in the RTDs as well. Some of the strategies which have
been included in the policy can be summarized as follows
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Economic empowerment of youth
Government to fulfill their responsible of an enabling environment for youth to
thrive and prosper
Create a policy to ensure equitable distribution of skills centers throughout The
Gambia
Ensure that special attention in the implementation of the Policy is given to the
rights and needs of disabled youth
Take measures of affirmative action to ensure the participation of women
Promote equal and respectful gender relations among youth
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2010
Facilitate the participation of youth in all aspects of youth programming 165
One of the gaps which has been identified in the youth policy, which was passed in
2010, is a lack of an accompanying action plan that operationalizes the directives which
are set out in the policy. Without this plan and accompanying budget, this policy only
outlines the policies which should be implemented, without the means or plans for
action.
4.4.2. Recreation and Extra Curriculum Activities
Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to play,
recreation and culture. Play is crucial for many aspects of children's development, from
the acquisition of social skills, experimentation and the confrontation and resolution of
emotional crises, to moral understanding, cognitive skills such as language and
comprehension, and the development of physical skills. While this is recognized as
important to the development of children and a fundamental right, there are limited
opportunities for children in The Gambia for structured recreational activities.
UNCRC Article 31
1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play
and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in
cultural life and the arts.
The UNCRC and The Children’s Act 2005 outline the right of children to participate in
leisure, sports and cultural activities. Section 16 of the Children’s Act 2005 states that “A
child has the right to participate in sports, or in positive cultural and artistic activities or
other leisure activities. Schools in The Gambia are required to have adequate
recreational facilities for students to engage in sport and other leisure activities. Yet
children and youth who participated in the RTDs and FGDs prioritized a lack of
opportunities for participation in such activities. As reported by the participants, there
are few organized activities to recognize and address this right.
Causes
According to RTD participants, daily work routines, homework and a lack of structured
organizations at school limit their availability and choices to leisure activities. As children
are not involved in decision making processes in any level, they often do not have a
165
Government of The Gambia, ‘National Youth Policy 2009 – 2018’, GoTG.
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voice in determining community priorities. For example during a FGD, the children
explained that they wanted some unused land for use as a football pitch. Although there
are limited opportunities for the engagement of children in community decisions, the
children were able to make their ideas known to the village leaders. Nevertheless, the
village leaders thought that this was not an appropriate idea as their priorities were to
use all available land for agriculture.
Structural Support
National Assembly members have recognized the need for the Department of State for
Youth, Sport and Religious Affairs to allocate more funding in order to help provide
positive activities for the country’s increasing number of young people, yet funding for
these sorts of activities have not been forthcoming.
4.5. The Most Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable children are those children who are at increased risk of not being able to
access or enjoy their basic rights as defined in the UNCRC. Children living without the
protection of their parents are potentially vulnerable as are other children who may be
vulnerable due to disabilities or adverse circumstances. According to the Situation
Analysis of Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children, the working definition for an
Orphan or Vulnerable Child is a child below the age of 18 whom;
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has lost one or both parents,
is severely disabled,
lives in a household where at least one adult has died in the last 12 months,
live in household where at least one adult has been seriously ill in the past three
months out of the past 12 months,
lives in a child headed household (where the head of household is less than 18
years old),
lives in a household with only elderly adults (household contains children under
18 years old and adults over 59 years old),
lives outside family care (lives in an institution or on the street).
In addition to the categories which are identified in the Vulnerability Study, UNICEF
has identified the following groups of children as specifically vulnerable within the
Gambian Context166.
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166
Children living in urban slums and remote rural areas
Not ranked in order of most to least vulnerable.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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2010
Orphans and vulnerable children due to HIV/AIDS
Children living or working on the streets -The Almudos and Talibes
Children with disabilities
Children living in female headed households, especially girls
Children from conservative religious or ethnic groupings that force young girls
into harmful traditional practices ) – FGM and early marriage
Children living in poor and large households
Sexually abused or exploited children and those at risk of sexual exploitation
Children out of school
Children in conflict/contact with the law
Children without birth certificates
Children living in densely populated areas (not always necessarily vulnerable)
4.5.1. Orphans
There are approximately 48, 000167 of orphans living in The Gambia
Causes
In The Gambia it is not uncommon for children to lose one or both of their parents
before adulthood. In many cases, fathers are often substantially older than their
wives168, and with high maternal mortality rates, there have historically been reasons for
children to lose their mother or father. Estimates of the numbers of orphans and AIDS
orphans which were reported for the ‘Children on the Brink’ report indicated that there
are 47,000 orphans, and 5,000 AIDS orphans in The Gambia. With the advent of
HIV/AIDS, the number of children likely to lose one, or in due course, both of their
parents is predicted to increase.
In a traditional setting in The Gambia the extended family provides a mechanism for
coping with children who lose one or other of their parents. However with increasing
poverty and rural-urban migration, the extended family system is often under severe
economic pressure and may not have enough resources to cope with care for additional
children169.
According to the Situation Analysis of Orphans and other Vulnerable Children in The
Gambia, there are a variety of characteristics/factors that increase the risk to
United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, unicef.org
According to MICS 2005/06 in approximately 60% of marriages of women aged 20 -24, are married to
men who are at least ten years old than they are.
169Ford, Jallow, Paine, Saar, ‘Situation Analysis of Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in The
Gambia’, August, 2004.
167
168
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2010
vulnerabilities. The quantitative analysis which compared the conditions of orphans and
non orphans over a variety of factors revealed the following findings.
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Orphans have fewer birth certificates and health clinic cards than non orphans, yet
more orphans had received DPT3 and measles immunizations. (This may be
reflective of the fee attached to health cards, whereas vaccinations are free.
There are fewer orphans in school than non orphans, including drop out and never
attended, although academic performance is better for orphans than non orphans.
Both orphans and non orphans report sharing from the household family food pot,
however more non orphans report having enough food.
More orphans talk about sex and having sex than non-orphans and more knowledge
about HIV/AIDS.
Orphans do their own laundry, but fewer report not having soap to bathe, and do not
sleep under a bed net.
More orphans work outside the household for money, including domestic work and
farming compared to non-orphans. While surprising, more non-orphans are selling
on the street.
These results indicate that orphans are at a much greater risk to the denial, restriction
or abuse of child rights.
Structural Support
The SOS Children’s Village provides care and shelter for orphans and children living in
difficult circumstances. There are also institutions that take in orphans throughout The
Gambia, especially in areas located close to tourist centers, yet there is little
government oversight, standards or regulations for such institutions.
4.5.2. Street children
Data available on street children is somewhat limited as official recognition is not readily
forthcoming. Nevertheless, the DoSW identified two categories of street children;
1. Children living on the street, including sleeping on the street, and
2. Children who work on the street from early morning to dusk or after dark, and then
return to lodging for sleep.
As a response to growing concerns about the safety of children living or working on the
streets, UNICEF and the Child Fund International (CF) (formerly Christian Children’s
Fund (CCF)) conducted a rapid assessment of Street Children located in the Greater
Banjul Area in 2005. The results of this study are listed below.
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Most of the children who were sampled were not from the Greater Banjul Area; Thirty –
eight percent were from Senegal and countries in the sub-region.
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The majority of children sampled live at home and commute to the streets to work.
Many of those that do not sleep at home live at their place of work or Madarasa
(Koranic school).
Most came to Banjul in search of work and educational opportunities.
Only 5% of children indicated that their parents live in Banjul Center. The largest
response group is Kanifing Municipal County (KMC). The second largest group (38%)
is ‘other’ which includes Senegal, Guinea, Mali, etc. The third largest group is the
Western Division with 22% of the total170.
Children are engaged in different work activities. Girls tend to engage in street sales.
while boys tend to do odd jobs such as carrying items or sweeping. Additionally,
many boys are begging, which is associated with involvement with their involvement
with a Madarasa.
A significant proportion are exposed to risks at work such as accidents or violence
from other children or adults on the street.
Reported sexual activity is not particularly high. However, for those children that are
sexually active, very few are protecting themselves from sexually transmitted
infections, furthermore, understanding of HIV/ AIDS and means of prevention is very
low.
Causes
The majority of issues that push children to the street are related to poverty. Most
children who end up in Banjul are there for work or school opportunities. Many of the
children identified may leave home due to a lack of sufficient care. 64 percent of
children, who are not sleeping at home, reported that they have come to Banjul for
work. 21 percent of children sleeping away from home said that they have come to
Banjul for school. Many of the children in the latter category have come to study at a
Madarasa. However, they spend a large proportion of their time in the streets begging
for the Marabout.171
According to the rapid assessment, children who live or work on the streets are exposed
to protection risks. Many are involved in exploitative work, children work long hours with
little pay and some are injured on the job. A significant proportion indicated that they are
exposed to violence.
170
Child Protection Baseline Assessment for Children Living and Working in the Streets of Banjul, United
Nations Children’s Fund And Christian Children’s Fund – The Gambia, February, 2006 pg 8
171
The issue of Alumudos or Talibes is a sensitive issue that raises concerns from both government
authorities and private organizations
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Structural Support
There is limited support for children who are live on the streets. Child Fund has
developed a program based on the risk assessment which addresses the issue of street
children by providing life skills, opportunities for training and meeting other basic needs
of these children.
The Child Fund report recommends that projects should be set up to improve the safety
of children who are at risk on the street, to include life-skills education. Child rights
sensitization targeting employers and Marabouts should take place to improve living
conditions of children. Additionally, alternative work and educational opportunities
should be identified for referred children, and finally a minority of children will require
family tracing, reunification and follow-up.
4.5.3. Children with Disabilities – section is pending further data analysis
There are approximately XXX children living with disabilities in The Gambia
Causes
Structural Support
The 1997 Constitution (Section 31 (1) (2) and (3) guarantees the recognition and
respect for the rights and dignity of people with physical disabilities, as well as their
protection from exploitation and discrimination. There are three schools which are
dedicated to providing services for the disabled children.
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Campama School for the Blind
Methodist School for the Mentally Handicapped
St. John’s School for the Deaf
All three of these schools are located in the GBA, which highlights the issue of equity.
Children in rural areas who are disabled do not have the proper facilities to meet their
needs, and may miss out on education due to a lack of facilities and staff who are able
to accommodate their needs. Nevertheless, there is an effort to mainstream children
with disabilities into the government school system.
According to the National Disability Survey 1998, 25.7 percent of disabled children in
the mainstream schools are partially sighted and children with speaking disabilities
account for 12.5%, 8.9% have mobility problems, and those who have difficult hearing
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2010
are 9.7%, and those who are fit problems account for 3.7% of children as illustrated by
the proportional pie chart below172.
Chart 23: Disabled Children Mainstreamed into Government schools.
Source: EFA Proposal for the Fast Track Initiative, 2003
There is an established multi – sectoral working group on childhood development
including children with disabilities. Under the HIPC, micro credit loans were provided to
parents of children with disabilities to help increase the family income. Sightsavers also
provides funding to the Gambia Organization for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) to provide
additional micro-credit loans to families with disabled children and assistance for
technical mobility assistance to facilitate their movement and learning.
A training manual on Early Childhood Development has been developed with one
module addressing the needs of children with disabilities, which is used at The Gambia
College for training teachers. Teacher Training College. The Department of Social
Welfare regularly holds workshops to sensitize village leaders, teachers, and health
workers on some of the main issues regarding children with disabilities.
Chapter 5. Issues and support context affecting the Rights of Women.
Information focusing on the general rights as outlined in the CEDAW (Health, Education,
Employment/Economic Opportunities, Socio-Cultural, and Political Participation
including most vulnerable populations.
5.1. Health
CEDAW Article 12
Sowe, M., Draft Report UNICEF, ‘A Case Study on Early Childhood Development School Readiness in
The Gambia, July 2010
172
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against
women in the field of health care in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and
women, access to health care services, including those related to family planning.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph I of this article, States Parties shall
ensure to women appropriate services in connection with pregnancy, confinement and
the post-natal period, granting free services where necessary, as well as adequate
nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.
5.1.1. Reproductive Health
The importance of reproductive rights in terms of meeting international development
goals has increasingly been recognized by the international community. In the
September 2005 World Summit, the goal of universal access to reproductive health was
endorsed at the highest level. Reproductive rights are recognized as valuable ends in
themselves, and essential to the enjoyment of other fundamental rights. Special
emphasis has been given to the reproductive rights of women and adolescent girls, and
to the importance of sex education and reproductive health programmes173.
The government attaches great importance to Reproductive Health issues as is
indicative in the Population Policy and the United Nation Population Fund 5th Country
Programme. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not
merely the absence of disease. (WHO definition).
5.1.1.1. Fertility rates
The Gambia has one of the highest rates of fertility in the world at 5.4% (Census 2003).
It is higher in rural areas, with an average of 7.0 in Lower River Division and 6.8 in North
Bank and only 4.7 in Banjul and Kanifing174. The higher rates could be attributed to
difference in literacy rates, socio – economic status and access to family planning
facilities175. Nevertheless, this rate is a substantial decrease from 6.39 percent in 1983 to
5.35 percent in 2003.
Causes – pending data analysis
Structural Support
173
United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA http://www.unfpa.org/rights/rights.htm.
174
Population and Housing Census, 2003
UNICEF West and Central African Regional Social Protection Transfer Training, Programme Country
Note for The Gambia, Ghana, September – October 2010
175
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Contraceptive use and birth spacing are two ways in which national fertility rates can be
decreased. These are outlined in the following sections.
5.1.1.2. Use of contraceptives
According to the RCH, approximately 17.6 percent of the Gambian population use
modern contraceptives. Although agencies such as The Gambia Family Planning
Association (GFPA) encourage the use of contraceptives, family planning continues to
meet with resistance for a number of reasons. One major factor that affects the
utilization of contraceptives is the husband’s role in determining the family size.
Causes
As outlined previously, in the majority of households in The Gambia, men are the
primary decision makers especially concerning family issues. As such it is often the man
who makes the decision regarding the number and spacing of children. Many men do
not support the use of birth control because they desire to have many children. Another
deterrent to family planning is the practice of polygamy. Over half of married women
and over a third of married men are in a polygamous relationship. Women in
polygamous relationships may wish to gain favor with the husband by having more
children, especially boys. (The preference of boys leads to more children as women
may keep trying to have a boy or many boys176)
During the RTDs, participants explained that boys may be preferred in some
households for economic reasons as the boy will grow up to support the parents,
whereas the grown daughter will live with her husband’s family and support them.
Additionally, many men and women may feel that family planning goes against the
teaching of Islam and the Koran as the Islamic Sharia Law encourages a pro-natalist
attitude.
Structural Support
Contraceptives are available at family planning clinics. Survey data indicate that
contraceptive and condom use is low but is rising in The Gambia. The contraceptive
prevalence rate for modern methods is about 17 percent (RCH, 2010). Condom use (for
family planning and/or STI/HIV/AIDS prevention) accounts for less than a quarter of
modern method use (UNFPA). While condoms are not a popular family planning
method, there is growing evidence that condom use is increasing for STI/HIV/AIDS
176
Sagnia, ‘The Influences of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development Effectiveness in The Gambia’,
August 2010.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
prevention, especially among youth. A survey estimated condom use at 34 percent
among 1,000 unmarried youth (NACP, 2001)177.
5.1.1.3. Birth spacing
Women in The Gambia space their children between two or three years apart. There
are several factors that affect the spacing of births which are outlined below.
Causes (Factors)
In The Gambia, there are strong cultural traditions that influence women to have
children every two years. In most communities, women are expected to have children
every two years and any deviation from this raises concerns or questions among family
and community members. As outlined in previous sections, men as the household
decision maker is usually responsible for the timing and number of children in the family.
In the majority of cases throughout the world, when couples lose a child during
pregnancy or in childbirth, they quickly try to have another children. Yet studies on child
spacing practices in Africa indicate that women whose pregnancies end in miscarriage
or stillbirths are less likely to have a next child quickly. In The Gambia women who had
a miscarriage or stillbirth were more likely than other women to postpone childbearing
by using contraception. Some 14 percent of women who miscarried or had stillbirths
used contraception subsequently, which is more than the percentage who used
contraceptives during breastfeeding or after weaning. When asked why they used
contraception after a miscarriage or stillbirth, women reported that they wanted to give
their bodies time to rest, recover, and have a better chance of conceiving a healthy
baby in the future.
Structural Support
The RCH promotes and implements a variety of programs that protect the health of
women and children, which include active birth spacing through carrying out
sensitization campaigns and including men in advocacy and information campaigns.
There are also radio advertisements that promote birth spacing and contraceptive use.
5.1.2. Unwanted pregnancies
There are many factors that result in unwanted pregnancies. One of the leading causes
is becoming pregnant outside of marriage, which has strong social and cultural stigmas
Accessgambia.com, ‘Contraceptives and Family Planning’,
http://www.accessgambia.com/information/contraceptives
177
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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attached. Other reasons include, economic burden of additional children, uncertainty
about the paternity of the child, increased burden on the health of the mother, and
increased pressure by family members to continue to produce children, which may not
be wanted by the woman.
5.1.2.1. Abortion rights and practices
Abortion is illegal in the Gambia unless the health of the mother or child is at risk.
Statistics on abortions that may be carried out in The Gambia do not exist as according
to the DoSW and RCH ‘if abortions or attempted abortions occur, they are kept
‘underground’ or are unreported to health services or practitioners’. Government clinics
are required to care for women who come to health clinics or hospitals and show signs
of attempted abortions, but reporting of these cases is rarely done at this level. Only in
rare cases when a fatality occurs due to an attempted abortion is it brought to the
attention of the police.
Causes
As outlined above, abortion is predominantly sought in cases of unwanted pregnancies.
Some of these issues are pregnancy outside of marriage, uncertainty about the
paternity of the child, desire to continue education, inability to economically support the
child, and pressure to have children when they are not wanted. .
Structural Support
Due to the illegality of abortion and to the hidden nature of this activity, there are a
limited number of structures in place which provide information about the dangerous
health risks associated with illegal abortions or self induced abortions, which can result
in death. The RCH and UNFPA provide information regarding this significant health risk
to women, and include it in awareness raising activities, but data on abortion and the
impact on women’s health in The Gambia is not available.
5.1.2.2. Baby Abandonment
Baby Abandonment is a complex issue as it involves child protection issues for the baby
(the UNCRC stipulates that children have the right to survival), and also impacts
women’s rights. Baby abandonment is primarily a result of unwanted pregnancies. As
such, some of the reasons that result in an unwanted pregnancy such as freedom of
choice, economic empower, decision making and cultural taboos that surround
unmarried mothers directly impact women’s rights. Therefore, reasons for baby
abandonment need to be further explored to fully understand this sensitive and
‘controversial’ issue. While it may be easy to place blame on women who abandon their
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
children, it is also necessary to fully understand some of the underlying causes and to
seek solutions that will protect the child and ensure that the rights of the woman are
also safeguarded.
UNCRC Article 6
1. States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life.
2. States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and
development of the child.
The abandonment of new born babies is an increasing phenomenon in The Gambia
which has socio - cultural as well as health and child protection implications. As the
graph below indicates, from 2000 – 2004 there has been an increase in the reporting of
baby abandonment which should be recognized and addressed. This increase may be
attributed to better reporting practices due to increased sensitization around the issue
rather than an increase in the practice.
Chart 24: Baby Abandonment Cases reported in The Gambia
Source: Research Report on Baby Abandonment Phenomenon in The Gambia, Unicef, June/July 2004
Additionally, in 2010, the media reported several cases of baby abandonment as per the
chart below.
Chart 25: Baby Abandonment in The Gambia, 2010
Abandonment
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daily Ob.
Point
Source: UNICEF Communications Department
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Causes
The reasons for baby abandonment are complex, but have much to do with poverty, the
secondary status of women in a patriarchal society with limited control over decision
making, and strict laws prohibiting abortion (abortion is illegal unless the health of the
mother or child is at risk). A study conducted in 2004 identified several reasons for baby
abandonment which are outlined as followed178.
The leading and underlying cause for baby abandonment is unwanted pregnancies.
Poverty and by extension the sexual exploitation of young girls in need of money is a
leading cause for pregnancies outside of marriage, which are often unwanted
pregnancies. Other factors that may lead women to abandon a baby are as follows:







The father of the child denies responsibility
Strong social and cultural stigma associated with pregnancy outside of marriage
A desire to continue education
The economic burden of raising a child
Psychological unpreparedness of young girls
Lack of, and ignorance about, the existence of childcare service providers (such as
SOS)
Culture of silence regarding taboo or controversial issues
Structural Support
The Child Welfare Unit at the Police Headquarters and the Child Rights Focal Point at
the Attorney General are tasked with monitoring this issue. The Department of Social
Welfare have specific guidelines and policies to address this issue. If a child is
abandoned, DoSW works closely with the police to try to identify the mother. If this is
successful, they work diligently in the ‘best interest of the child’, which may mean
negotiating with the police so that the mother is not taken into custody but rather is
allowed to stay at the Women’s and Children’s Shelter, where she can care for the child
and receive counseling and parental skills training. Efforts are also made to find the
father of the child and ensure that he takes at minimum, financial responsibility for the
child. As noted, there are strict laws against child abandonment in the Children’s Act
which guarantees the right to survival, the right to parental care, protection and
maintenance, and clearly states that parents have to ‘ensure that the best interest of the
child are their basic concerns at all times’.
178 United
Nations Children’s Fund, ‘Research Report on Baby Abandonment Phenomenon in The
Gambia’, UNICEF, June/July 2004.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The Women’s Act specifically states that girls should not be not dismissed from school
for pregnancy, yet there is no real support or counseling services available for girls or
women who find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy. The DoSW has initiated
sensitization campaigns to raise the awareness about baby abandonment, but closer
collaboration with national agencies such as the SOS program, the Child Protection
Alliance, and options of foster or adoptive parents is still needed.
Addressing the underlying causes for baby abandonment such as unwanted
pregnancies, social and culture practices and beliefs that stigmatize pregnancy outside
of marriage, and limited options or resources for women who find themselves with an
unwanted pregnancy should be addressed in order to appropriately respond to the
issue of baby abandonment.
Additionally, if women were better able to support themselves, they may feel more
prepared to keep children who are a result of unwanted pregnancies. As a means to
help empower women and create an environment of greater self sufficiency,
opportunities for vocational training and higher education opportunities should be
available for all girls and women179.
5.1.3 Maternal Health
5.1.3.1. Pregnancy Care and Complications
Antenatal care
The issue of poor maternity care in The Gambia was identified by all Round Table
participants and by several communities targeted in the FGDs. Reasons which were
identified for this included poverty, poor salary level for healthcare workers, distance to
health clinics, lack of medications, and inadequate number of trained staff.
Causes
Antenatal care in The Gambia is available through maternal child health clinics or
mobile units provided through the primary health care posts or outreach clinics
throughout The Gambia. According to MICS 2005.06, 97 percent of Gambia women
attend at least one antenatal check up by trained personnel. Nevertheless, there seems
to be limited knowledge regarding some of the danger signs related to pregnancy or
childbirth by women. For women who visit health clinics, some of the basic mandatory
tests such as urine analysis or hemoglobin estimation are not done. These issues
179 Sanneh, Nyakassi, and Touray, ‘Research Report on Baby abandonment in the Gambia’, UNICEF,
July 2004.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
affect the overall health care received by women and contribute to the high maternal
mortality rate.
Postnatal care
Remarkably despite the reality that the majority of maternal deaths in The Gambia occur
within the first few days after delivery, there is minimal health care for the mother after
the delivery, A study conducted 2002180, indicated that more than two-thirds of Gambian
women are not provided with any form of postpartum care or examination. Women who
deliver in health facilities spend very little time (a few hours only) after delivery at the
facility. For women who birth at home (approximately 48 percent of pregnant women),
there is little post delivery follow up by trained workers, rather it is the TBA who attempts
to carry out post partum care. TBAs receive on going training on antenatal and post
natal care.
Structural Support
There are regular and ongoing training on antenatal and postnatal care that is provided
by the RCH to all service providers including TBAs. There are national interventions that
also support maternal health initiatives such as






The Child Health Policy
The Safe Motherhood Program
Fee Free Maternal Health Care
Provision of EOC capacity in rural health clinics
Presidential decree on the importance of Emergency Obstetric Care
EMNCH – Emergency Maternal and New born Child Health Initiative, which
includes the ‘Ambulance Flying Squad’, a rural based ambulance service that
has been established to respond to obstetric emergencies in rural areas.
Pregnancy Complications
Fistula
Each year between 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula,
a hole in the birth canal. In the Gambia there are approximately XXX of cases per year.
The development of obstetric fistula is directly linked to one of the major causes of
maternal mortality: obstructed labour.
Telfer, ML, Rowley, JT., Walraven, GE, ‘Experiences of mothers with antennal, deliver and postpartum
care in rural Gambia’, African Journal for Reproductive Health, 2002.
180
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
Women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, and
social segregation and health problems. It is estimated that more than 2 million young
women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Obstetric fistula is preventable; it can largely be avoided by:



delaying the age of first pregnancy;
the cessation of harmful traditional practices; and
timely access to obstetric care.
Preventing and managing obstetric fistula contribute to the Millennium Development
Goal 5 of improving maternal health. (WHO)
Causes
Obstetric fistula exists due primarily to a lack of accessible, quality maternal health care,
including family planning, skilled care at birth, basic and comprehensive emergency
obstetric care, and affordable treatment of fistula, which are some of the constraints
challenges to maternal health care which exist in The Gambia. Additionally, fistula
occurs among women living in poverty in cultures where a woman’s status and selfesteem may depend almost entirely on her marriage and ability to bear children, which
is relatively common in The Gambia.
Eclampsia – pending date
Causes
Structural Support
There is ongoing support for emergency obstetric care such as through a variety of
government initiatives as outlined in the previous section. Nevertheless, there are
challenges in meeting these needs as there are limited skilled staff for placement in
these clinics, there are often shortages of medications, and the distance to clinics are
far and over difficult roads.
5.1.3.2. Maternal Morbidity and Mortality
The maternal mortality rate in The Gambia is one of the highest in the world at
730/100,000. The reasons for this high rate are complex but center on a lack of quality
care (especially emergency obstetric care) and women’s control or input into decision
making, even into issues that affect her own (and her children’s) health. The MMR is
high and varies greatly according to geographic region, income and education of the
mother. According to the World Bank, women in rural Gambia are twice or up to three
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
times as likely to die from pregnancy or child birth than women in urban areas181. This
is directly related to inadequate access to quality health facilities in rural areas.
Causes
Complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death and disability
among women of reproductive age in developing countries182. In the Gambia, 730 out of
100,000 women die due to pregnancy or childbirth related deaths. Direct obstetric
complications have been indicated to causes most maternal deaths in The Gambia, with
hemorrhage as one of the leading causes. Some of the other major causes of maternal
mortality which have been identified in rural The Gambia include anaemia,
haemorrhage, eclampsia, obstructed labour and placental abruption in cases of
haemorrhage. (Cham, Sundby, Vangen) Indirect medical causes are those resulting
from a pre-existing disease which aggravated by pregnancy may develop during
pregnancy, such as anemia, cardio-vascular disorders, malaria, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
Malaria continues to be the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality 183.
Although women receive ante natal care (97.8 percent antenatal care by skilled
personnel (MICS 2005/06 and MICS 2010) and seek care for obstetric emergencies,
often the care is delayed for a variety of reasons. The decision as to when to seek care
or go to the clinic or TBA for assisted delivery, is not always the woman’s choice, as the
husband is often responsible for this decision. Importantly, if the decision is prolonged
and the distance to the clinic is far, this can result in delayed treatment, which could
eventually lead to maternal or infant death, especially if there are complications. FGD
participants in rural communities reported cases where women or babies died on
donkey carts on the way to the clinic. In cases when women are able to access needed
emergency obstetric services in time, often there is a lack of skilled emergency obstetric
care providers, a lack of appropriate facilities, and a shortage of medications to treat
complications, especially in rural areas. Improving accessibility and quality of
Emergency Obstetric Care (EOC) services in the area is necessary if maternal deaths
are to be prevented184.
There is an increase in maternal mortality risk during peak malaria transmission in
endemic countries is thought to implicate malaria in maternal deaths. During the malaria
World Bank, ‘Health and Poverty in the Gambia’, A background report to the National Poverty
Reduction Strategy Paper, Human Development Sector, Africa Region, WB, November 2005.
182 Cham, M., ‘Availability and Quality of Maternity Care Services in The Gambia: Its impact on Maternal
and Fetal Outcomes’, University of Oslo, 2009.
183 World Bank, ‘World Bank Poverty Assessment’, WB.
184 Cham, Sundby, and Vangen, ‘Maternal mortality in the rural Gambia’, a qualitative study on access to
emergency obstetric care, http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/.
181
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
season, there was a 168 percent increase in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), a
three-fold increase in the proportion of deaths due to anemia, and an eight-fold increase
in the anemia MMR. Apart from a 5.4-fold increase in eclampsia, there was no
significant change in the contribution of other causes of death. It is estimated that
malaria may account for up to 93 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. 185
In pregnant women, severe malaria-related anemia continues to be a major contributing
cause to maternal morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that malaria may account for
up to 93 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (Anya, 2004). The latest estimation of
malaria in pregnancy is at 8 percent and mortality related to malaria in pregnancy is
almost 1 percent (MIS, 2007). Anaemia, defined as haemoglobin less than 11mg/dL, is
also highly prevalent, for example over 50 percent in pregnant women attending
antenatal care in two clinics in the Kombos 2005 were anaemic (Morton, 2005).
A high population growth combined with inadequate financial and logistical support has
put increased pressure on the health sector. Health facility coverage is approximately
80 percent of the population however staff numbers in the health facilities are
inadequate and there are not enough of trained staff.
There are also underlying socio economic factors that lead to maternal mortality such as
low social status of women, lack of education, poor nutritional status, limited access to
health care and a lack of financial resources. These factors are a continuing challenge
facing many women in The Gambia.
Emergency Obstetric Care Services
An assessment concluded that hospitals lacked adequate electrical power, regular water supplies, basic
equipment, emergency drugs and medical supplies. Hospital staff was found to lack the skills needed to
manage emergencies, particularly those related to obstetric complications, resuscitation at birth and
life threatening problems in newborn infants, serious pediatric illnesses and major trauma
Source: July 2006 a country-wide assessment of emergency services was undertaken by the Ministry Of
Health, World Health Organization, Maternal and Child health Advocacy International and Advanced Life
Support Group.
Emergency Obstetric Care
The level of EOC in the Gambia is below the internationally recommended standards both for
the number of basic EOC facilities and the lack of comprehensive care provided at the major
health centers. Case fatality among obstetric emergencies was high at 4.7 percent . Coverage
for life- saving interventions such as cesarean sections was below minimum standards
nationally and well below in rural areas. Health system inadequacies such as a lack of basic
185 Samuel Anya, ‘Seasonal Variation in the Risk and Causes of Maternal Death in The Gambia: Malaria
appears to be an Important Factor’.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
equipment and supplies, and a shortage of skilled professionals severely limit access and
availability of EOC in The Gambia.
Maternal Morbidity
Maternal morbidity is illness or injury, acute or chronic, caused or aggravated by
pregnancy or childbirth such as anemia, incontinence, damaged reproductive organs,
chronic pain and infertility. It is estimated that for every one maternal death worldwide
there are thirty women who suffer serious illness or debilitating injuries 186. The longer
term effects of maternal morbidity are not only physical but also psychological, social
and can result in economic losses. For example obstetric fistula which affects
approximately 100,000 women each year, can result is social isolation, depression and
poverty.
In The Gambia, there is little attention give to maternal morbidity, thus there is little
available information on maternal ill – health. However, a 2002 study which assessed
reproductive–organ damage among rural women in northern Gambia, found that 70.3
percent of women with at least one reproductive disorder. The two leading disorders
were anemia hemoglobin, and pelvic structure damage187.
Structural Support
According to the Reproductive and Children’s Health (RCH) Unit, there is ongoing
training for health care service providers conducted on the major causes of maternal
mortality. Additionally, a Protocol Manual on antenatal and post natal care was recently
produced and will be distributed during upcoming trainings to service providers.
Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) also receive regular training through the RCH.
There are some fundamental challenges within the health care system such as a lack of
equipment, scarcity of needed medications, and an insufficient number of training staff
which need to be addressed in order to improve services related to maternal health care.
5.1.4. HIV/AIDS and STIs
The HIV epidemic in The Gambia is characterized by a low prevalence, however small
pockets of higher concentrations cause concern. The most current (2008) surveillance
data puts the HIV prevalence in The Gambia at 1.6 percent . In the period 1993-2007,
Cham, M., ‘Availability and Quality of Maternity Care Services in The Gambia: Its impact on Maternal
and Fetal Outcomes’, University of Oslo, 2009.
187 Samuel Anya, ‘Seasonal Variation in the Risk and Causes of Maternal Death in The Gambia: Malaria
appears to be an Important Factor’.
186
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
trends in HIV prevalence were generally uneven and HIV-1 is now seen as main virus
driving the epidemic (Cherno et al 2009)188.
Data on the prevalence is gathered through National Sentinel Surveillance (NSS) which
is conducted amongst antenatal women, aged 15-49 years. Of the estimated 7,500
PLHIV 60 percent are woman aged 15 years and over and children account for 630 (7.6
percent ) of the 8,200 country total (UNAIDS 2008)189.
5.1.4.1. Prevention
In terms of service provision for women and children there has been an expansion of
HIV services countrywide. Twenty- four sites are now providing services for the
prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV - a five fold increase from 2004.
Thirty – four sites provide VCT services and there are nine ART sites for access to
antiretroviral treatment. Under Round 8 of the Global Fund HIV grant it is anticipated
that a further 30 sites will be indentified to roll out PMTCT services.
The involvement of civil society in HIV policy and strategy development has been
promoted on two levels; contributing to policy formulation and coordinating and
promoting civil society’s involvement, in particular the networks and organisations of
people living with HIV who have been involved in the implementation of HIV
programmes particularly in the areas of care and support.
Voluntary counseling and testing services have been scaled up throughout the country.
In addition VCT community outreach has been promoted. Between 2003 and 2008 over
500 counsellors were trained on VCT and the PMTCT services. In the period 2007 2009 the number of people tested for HIV doubled from 30,565 to 66,464. A total of 171,
374 have been through VCT and HIV testing in the ante natal setting.
Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission (PMTCT)
The transmission of HIV from mother to child is the main mode of spread of the infection
to children. 15 percent of new HIV infections each year are caused by MTCT. An
estimated 430 000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2008, over 90 percent of
them through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Without treatment, about half of
these infected children will die before their second birthday. Without intervention, the
risk of MTCT ranges from 20 percent to 45 percent. With specific interventions in nonbreastfeeding populations, the risk of MTCT can be reduced to less than 2 percent, and
to 5 percent or less in breastfeeding populations.
188
189
The Gambia Progress Report towards Attainment of Universal Access, 2009
UNGASS Country Progress Report, The Gambia, 2008
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
The rate of MTCT in the Gambia with present intervention is 9.1 percent. The national
strategic framework and the revised PMTCT policy guidelines have set a target of
reduction of MTCT from 9.1 percent to 5 percent in 2014 and 4 percent in 2015
respectively190.
The objective of the PMTCT programme is to provide access to the Prevention of
Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV for 80 percent of pregnant women in The
Gambia by 2014.
Currently the programme provides two types of drugs, nevirapine and AZT to pregnant
women who are infected with HIV depending on sero type of infection. These drugs can
be a very effective tool in preventing the transmission of the HIV virus from the mother
to the child.
Between March 2004 and May 2006, of women attending Reproductive and Child
Health clinics 62 percent of pregnant women completed the full HIV/AIDS counseling
process; of those women who tested HIV positive, 24.9 percent received anti-retroviral
prophylaxis, 23.3 percent of HIV positive women delivered in health facilities compared
to the national average of 55 percent , 3.9 percent of infants born to infected mothers
received nevirapine syrup, 6.4 percent of infected mothers were given replacement
feeds191.
Structural Support
The National HIV AIDS Strategic Plan and framework has been reviewed, revised and
validated 2009-2014. Policy guidelines for the reduction of Mother to Child Transmission
of HIV in The Gambia were reviewed in 2008. The Prevention of mother to child
transmission of HIV training/participants manual reviewed and updated 2010. Standard
operating procedures for the PMTCT were reviewed and updated in 2010. ARV training
manual reviewed and updated 2009.
In view of this, measures to accelerate and improve programmes of prevention of
Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) should be adopted into the overall effort to
control the further spread of HIV in The Gambia. These measures include increase
access and uptake of PMTCT services; scale up quality PMTCT services; committed
integration of PMTCT services into maternal, newborn and child health and with sexual
and reproductive health programmes.
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, ‘The Gambia Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
Strategic Plan 2010 -2015
191 NAS, ‘Impact Study on the Reduction of HIV/AIDS Transmission from Parent to Child from October
2004 to December 2006, released May 2008
190
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
To prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to baby, the World Health Organization
(WHO) promotes a comprehensive approach, which includes the following four
components:





Primary prevention of HIV infection among women of childbearing age;
Preventing unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV;
Preventing HIV transmission from a woman living with HIV to her infant; and
Providing appropriate treatment, care and support to mothers living with HIV and
their children and families.
Health System Strengthening is the fifth component added in the Gambia to
ensure effective adaptation of the components.
5.1.4.2. Treatment
Causes
The main mode of transmission is through unprotected heterosexual contact. Factors
contributing to the epidemic in The Gambia are a lack of access to reliable information
on sexually transmitted infections including HIV, the practice of unsafe sexual behavior
with multiple partners by both sexes, untreated/inappropriately treated sexually
transmitted infections, a lack of condoms, sex tourism, and unsafe blood transfusions
(Asante and Fenny 2009)192.
Impacting particularly on woman has been a paucity of services tailored to their needs
and to the needs of the most at risk groups. Cultural and religious norms make it difficult
for women to deny partners sexual contact. A lack of economic empowerment
contributes to women’s inability to speak out and there are many reasons why women
are engaging in risky behavior through sex tourism. In addition, male involvement in
both VCT and PMTCT services has been low.
Structural Support
HIV treatment care and support services in The Gambia are free. Services available
include voluntary counseling and testing. Services for the Prevention of Mother To Child
Transmission and nine centres providing services for Antiretroviral Therapy. (ART)
nationally.
There are many challenges in confronting the battle against HIV/AIDS, which briefly
outlined as follows.
Asante, F., Fenny, A., ‘National AIDS Secretariat, The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS ‘ National
AIDS Spending Assessment 2007 and Level and flow of resources and expenditures 2009 – The Gambia 2010
Progress Report
192
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
80 percent of Gambians do not know their HIV status. Inadequate human capacity and
institutional structures, and weak health systems poses a big challenge. The fear of
stigma and discrimination is a barrier to access and the utilization of treatment, care and
support of PLHIV and their families. Disclosure of sero-status to partners is a challenge
that prevents access to ART. Fear of the consequences of disclosure may force some
to remain silent with resultant ill health/ death as a consequence, and in addition
denying those they may have unknowingly infected from accessing timely treatment,
care and support.
Supporting adherence to ART and reducing defaulters to treatment remains a challenge
as is the lack of effective communication between men and women .Encouraging
greater male involvement in health care /antenatal health care will require attitudinal
changes.
The National Spending assessment conducted for the years 2007 and 2008 indicated
96 percent of funding for HIV was sourced externally (Asante and Fenny 2009)
questioning the sustainability of the response to HIV given the global economic
downturn.
There are currently no laws to protect people living with HIV against discrimination
(including both general non-discrimination provisions and provisions that specifically
mention HIV). Additionally there are no non-discrimination laws or regulations which
specify protection for most-at-risk populations.
Limited M&E capacity to analyze data. Generating quality data for information and
knowledge to influence policy making, programme action, and research needs to be
regular, and systematic. A Demographic Health Study would need to be carried out to
have the correct data on prevalence rates throughout the country.
Pediatric Care – pending data
5.1.4.3. Protection – HIV/AIDS Orphans – pending data
5.1.5. Nutrition, including maternal malnutrition
5.1.5.1. Under Nutrition and Micro – nutrient deficiencies
There is evidence that the majority of woman who live in rural areas in The Gambia are
in a constant state of energy – deficient which is caused by poor dietary intake, a heavy
workload and a high infection rate. This is reflected by a high prevalence of low birth
weight infants especially during the rainy season. Low birth weight is a good indicator of
the nutritional status of the mother and has directly affects the newborn’s chance of
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
survival and long term psycho- social development. According to the MICS 2005/2006
19.9 of newborns had low birth weight.
Anaemia is common among women, especially during pregnancy and is a major
contributory factor to the high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. A national
survey193 conducted in 2001, indicated that 73 percent of pregnant women and 56
percent of lactating women were anemic. It also found that 34 percent and 16 percent of
pregnant and lactating women respectively were vitamin A deficient. An iodine
deficiency study conducted in 1999 indicated a 16 percent manifestation of goiter rate,
an indication of IDD, which was of a relatively mild significance.
Causes
Critical to the overall nutritional status of pregnant women are the seasonal availability
of nutritious foods, especially vegetables, and the high cost of some of the most
nutritious foods, especially for rural women. If women are not able to purchase nutritious
foods high in iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals, her health and that of the
feotus will suffer.
Traditional practices such as food taboos are one of the factors that increase maternal
malnutrition. Some of the foods that meet the increased nutritional demands of pregnant
women are forbidden due to traditional food taboos194. Over the past decade, most of
these taboos have diminished as women become more informed about the importance
of good maternal nutrition.
Structural Support
NaNA provides support to women in terms vitamin supplementation during pregnancy in
the maternal child health clinics.
5.1.5.2. Over nutrition
A nutrition survey conducted in GBA conducted in 2009 revealed that only 49 percent
of women between the ages of 14 – 49 years had a normal nutritional status. Forty two
percent of the women sampled had weights above what would be considered normal for
their heights. 24.6 percent were classified as overweight and 17.3 percent were obese,
yet 7.5 percent show energy deficiency and 1 percent severe energy deficiency.
Bah, A, Semega – Janneh, I., Prentice, A., Bates, C. ‘Nationwide survey on the prevalence of vitamin
A and iron deficiency in women and children in the Gambia’, NaNA, Banjul, 2001.
194 Some of the foods that are restricted due to taboos are eggs and dairy products.
193
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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According to NaNA, childhood obesity is also on the increase as well due an increasing
sedentary lifestyle of children in the Greater Banjul Area195.
5.2. Education
Education is an essential tool for achieving the goals of equality, development and
peace (Beijing Platform for Action). Education should equally benefit both girls and boys,
thereby contributing to creating more equal relationships between women and men.
Literacy of women is critical to improving the overall wellbeing of the family, especially
regarding the health and nutrition of the family. Investing in the informal and non-formal
education and training; with its exceptionally high social and economic return has
proved to be one of the best means of achieving sustainable development. Taking
cognizance of this, The Education Policy 2004-2015 aims to “promote broad –based
education for all through quality learning, training and mainstreaming gender for girl and
boys to acquire literacy, livelihood skills and utilize those skills to earn a living and
become economically self–reliant. (National Gender Policy)
CEDAW Article 10
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against
women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in
particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women…
While gender parity has been reached in basic education, secondary and post
secondary education is still dominated by boys. Closing this gap should be a high
government priority which will help to promote gender equality in The Gambia.
Girls’ enrolment at the University of The Gambia is only 21 percent of the total
enrolment (although this had doubled since its opening). Efforts to lessen this disparity
have been implemented such as extra classes that will help prepare young women for
university education, such as ACCESS and Remedial Instruction or Female Teachers
(RIFT) at The Gambia College.
Causes
Some of the reasons that girls drop out of school are early marriage, prioritization of
boys for continuing education, lack of proper health and hygiene facilities and poor
academic performance. During the RTDs, Key Stakeholders pointed out that women
who had high levels of education were often ‘unmarriageable’ as men did not want to
marry a woman with a higher education. (Ironically, the same theory applied if the
National Nutrition Agency, ‘Food Vulnerability in the Urban Area of Banjul and Kanifing Municipality
(The Gambia)’, Summary Report, GoTG, CILSS, NaNA, 2009.
195
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woman did not have enough education.) Nevertheless, all RTD groups listed low
retention rates for girls as a primary issue affecting the rights of children and women in
the Gambia. Some of the reasons identified by the participants include teenage
pregnancy, poverty, early marriage, sexual harassment in schools, ignorance of
importance of Girls' education, corporal punishment, a preference on male education
(boys will support the family after school, the girl moves to another family, economically
more sensible) and that girls have a heavy work load at home.
Other reasons are an inequitable distribution of secondary schools in rural areas. Safety
and security issues which are of concern when sending children to schools away from
home or walking long distances to schools are especially relevant for girls. Girls who are
sent away for school are at a greater risk for vulnerabilities such as teenage pregnancy
or sexual abuse or exploitation. Relevance and quality of education also directly impact
the ability for girls to proceed beyond primary education.
Structural Support
There are community and national adult literacy programs that aim to address the high
rates of illiteracy among women in The Gambia (38% EMIS). Additionally the
Community Skills Improvement Program (CSIP) implements training programs for
women and out of school youth, aiming to encourage entrepreneurship and self
employment schemes. The project reached 81 percent of the targeted participants, with
over 12,670 literacy graduates.
5.3. Employment and Economic Opportunities
One of the most powerful ways to ensure that women’s rights are assured is through
employment and economic empowerment. Economic equality would positively affect all
dimensions of a women’s life, and also improve the standard of living for the family.
CEDAW Article 11
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against
women in the field of employment in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and
women, the same rights, in particular:…
In The Gambia, there is uneven gender distribution of the labor force in public and
private sector employment196. Women make up approximately forty five percent of the
economically active population, yet men hold the majority of the higher paying jobs such
as managers, professionals and technicians. In part due to lower education levels,
196
Government of The Gambia, ‘National Population and Housing Census of 2003’, GoTG.
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women are somewhat relegated to lower paying jobs with little or no benefits such as
social security or job protection. During the RTDs, women participants raised this issue
as an important disparity. They explained that girls are not encouraged to study
traditionally ‘male subject areas’ such as science or maths, which are often needed as
prerequisites for higher education and thus higher levels of employment. There is only
minimum representation of women in areas such as finance, communication and
manufacturing which are normally the higher paid professions.
Table 12: Women Representation in Gambia Employment
Sector
Fisheries
Manufacturing
Hotels and Restaurants
Financial Services
Storage and Communication
Commercial, Social and Personnel
Services
Wholesale and retail
Social Services
Cabinet
Parliament
percent of women
in the work force
16.40
22.07
41.33
2.66
6.95
39.97
43.99
25
33.33
13
Source: The Gambia National Gender Policy 2010 -2020
Causes
A large proportion of self employed women in The Gambia are engaged in crop
farming—two-thirds of employed women are reported as crop growers, compared to
only 36 percent of men. In addition, fertility rates are relatively high, estimated at 5.4
children per woman, slightly above the 5.3 average for sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore,
most women combine market work (i.e. participation in remunerative or incomegenerating employment) with non-market work (e.g. unpaid childcare and household
production). The responsibility for unpaid, non-market work influences the employment
options available for women. For example, paid activities that prevent women from
combining market and non-market work may not be accessible to economically active
women.
Labour supply in The Gambia is mainly unskilled, both in rural and urban areas.
According to estimates derived from the population census, 47 percent of the active and
employed population has no formal schooling; only 3 percent have completed a postsecondary degree/diploma (including vocational training). As a result, average adult
literacy rates remain low in The Gambia.
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According to the PRSP II, the national literacy rate is 46 per cent, with a significant gap
between female rates (37 percent) and male rates (60 percent). According to the NTA
survey on skills and employment, almost 50 percent of the rural sample was illiterate
(42 percent in urban areas). On the basis of calculations from the National Training
Assessment (NTA) survey, a staggering 54 percent of the employed population had not
received any training whatsoever, whether formal or informal (59 percent in rural areas
and 61 percent in the case of women). For those who reported some form of training,
the most common for women were the following. In rural areas: gardening, farming;
tailoring, sewing, designing; soap making; in urban areas: tailoring, sewing, designing;
(petty) trading.
Opportunities for gainful rural employment, particularly in the farming sector, have
declined due to the sluggish performance of the agriculture sector. The high poverty
level of the rural areas (estimated at about 67-70 percent of the rural population) means
that households have few resources to invest in improving their productive capacities
and, ultimately, their earning potential. Thus, a vicious circle of poverty, low income, low
productivity and scarce assets is compounded by a lack of support to crop farming from
state institutions. Arguably, farming households increasingly depend on external noncrop sources of income, including remittances from family members having moved to
the Greater Banjul or neighboring Senegal.
The tourism sector is less labour intensive than the agricultural sector but its higher
remuneration has the potential to lift workers and their families above the poverty line.
Through the multiplier effect of improved household incomes on family labour, the
agricultural sector would provide thousands of jobs to people living in rural areas.
Higher demand for labour in these sectors may also inject greater dynamism into local
labour markets and further reduce underemployment. If this happens, pressures to
migrate to overcrowded and saturated labour markets in Grater Banjul may relax and a
more balanced pro-poor employment pattern be achieved.
The urban labour market situation can be analysed using data such as economic
census and household surveys. Specific surveys designed to capture informal activities
provide information about own-account and unpaid workers in urban labour markets.
Although household surveys are also applied in rural areas, their capacity to adequately
capture the peculiarities of rural labour markets is limited. Unless an in-depth labour
force survey is administered, it will be difficult to ascertain the characteristics and
dynamics of rural employment and the structural characteristics of rural labour markets.
Participation in rural and peri-urban labour markets and the incidence of non-farm wage
employment is not restricted to a few months during the rainy season. Household
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members may engage in non-farm wage activities throughout the year. The seasonal
and irregular nature of labour peaks is associated with the hiring of seasonal and casual
labourers, who may come from the local area or migrate from other regions. The
personalisation of employment relations and a degree of “paternalism” among
employers is also a typical feature of rural labour markets. Moreover, women are
traditionally employed producing specific crops, where they carry specific tasks and use
particular technologies, and men are employed producing others. It is important to
capture the intricacies of rural labour and agricultural production when developing
policies to enhance productivity and the quality of employment in the rural areas.
Like much of the labour market in Gambia, rural labour markets are not subject, at least
de facto, to effective regulation. Remuneration and working conditions depend on the
particular agreements between employers and workers. These agreements vary
according to task, crop, and the time of the year. Employment relationships reflect
“norms” and conventions, and therefore are seldom subject to a legally enforceable
contract. Thus, daily wages or payments for specific tasks (like groundnut threshing or
weeding) have a “conventional price” that is territorially determined and sometimes
village-specific. The fact that many of these labour transactions are highly personalised
contributes to the localized and segmented nature of payment and work conditions. The
village or district chief may settle any disputes in the event the parties are unable to
reach a settlement on their own.
However, the recent introduction of the fee-based Resident Permits may have had
implications on rural labour markets and production. Having been set at D7,500 per
person per year for all non-Gambians, the provision has imposed restrictions on the
available supply of migrant labour to the rural and agricultural areas. The new permit
system not only had a dampening effect on agricultural production, productivity and
output, but it also affected groundnut marketing activities that had hitherto depended
largely on seasonal migrant labour for production and marketing. Therefore, efforts to
improve farm output from the rural areas must address constraints to labour supply to
agricultural production.
Lower level of education, illiteracy and less opportunity for high paying employment are
some of the constraints that place women at the bottom of the pay scale in The Gambia.
General attitudes that prevail in a male dominated societal structure often allow for
discrimination in the level and number of opportunities available to women.
Structural Support
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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GAMJOBS was been created in response to the overall low employment rates in The
Gambia. The overall objective of GAMJOBS is initiating the development of a “skilled,
versatile, dynamic and efficient workplace”, and create opportunities for wage and selfemployment in both the formal and informal economy, within the context of Vision 2020
and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).
The government has increased efforts to improve secondary school enrolment rates for
girls as outlined in Chapter Four. Programs such as ACCESS or RIFT (Remedial
Instruction for Female Teachers) provide instruction that aims to prepare girls for post
secondary education.
Domestic Workers
The issue of domestic laborers (cleaners, maids, housekeepers), an area predominantly
made up of women is a growing global concern. Conditions that women face are often
exploitative and can be physically and sexually abusive. While the abysmal conditions
that have made international human rights reports have not been reported in The
Gambia, conditions for women who work as domestic workers often are unfair and
exploitative; pay is usually low, hours can be long, and there are no benefits such as
social security, paid leave or job protection. Women who work as domestic labourers
lack a unified or organized voice to represent them, and therefore conditions remain
extremely poor.
Causes
In the Gambia, employment opportunities are limited due in part to a lack of a large
industrialized economy, which results in extremely limited employment opportunities.
Therefore, women who must work to support their families, have little choice of jobs,
and are often at the lower echelon of the employment scale. Additionally, disparities in
education, responsibilities related to marriage and motherhood, and attitudes that
women are not capable of performing some of the same work as men tend to relegate
women to low paid employment.
Structural Support
There is little if any support for domestic labor. Workers in this type of work would
greatly benefit from an co-hensive and organized structure to represent their interests
on a local and national level.
Agricultural and women’s cooperatives
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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The youths, women and the disabled are disproportionately over-represented in the
rank of the unemployed and underemployed. 70 percent of women are engaged in
low productivity rural subsistence agriculture, and provide about 86
percent of
household income. According to 2003 National Household Poverty Survey, income
poverty has increased from 59 percent to 74 percent between 1998 and 2003. It is
estimated that 78 percent of economically active women engaged in agriculture are
considered extremely poor.
Causes
Traditionally women are responsible to provide for the basic needs of the household, In
order to provide the daily meal, women grow vegetables to either sell or use the
produce to contribute to the family food pot.
Structural Support
The National Association of Women Farmers (NAWFA) represents over 70,000 women
farmers throughout the Gambia. One of their major goals is to help increase women’s
income related to agricultural production and marketing. They can also serve as a
strong support mechanism to engage women in grassroots political activities.
5.4. Socio - Cultural Issues
5.4.1. Violence against Women - Gender Based Violence
Women world wide are subjected to violence in many forms including sexual, physical,
or emotional abuse by an intimate partner; physical or sexual abuse by family members
or others; sexual harassment and abuse by authority figures (such as teachers, police
officers or employers); trafficking for forced labour or sex; and such traditional practices
as forced or child marriages, mutilation of the body, dowry-related violence; and honour
killings, when women are murdered in the name of family honour197.
In the Gambia, violence against women takes on these many manifestations in the
family, and at the community and national level. Yet information regarding acts of
violence is not easily accessible. For example the number of rape cases or the reporting
of sexual abuse and harassment in schools or the workplace were not readily available
for inclusion in this report. A culture of silence somewhat shrouds the full reality of
violence against women in Gambian society. An overview of some of the key issues,
197
World Health Organisation, ‘Violence Against Women’, WHO.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
consequences and structures which are in place to safeguard the rights of women
against violence are outlined in the following section.
CEDAW Article 5
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures:
(a) To modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view
to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which
are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on
stereotyped roles for men and women…
The United Nations defines violence against women as any act of gender-based
violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or
suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of
liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. (WHO)
5.4.1.1. Physical Violence – Domestic Violence
In The Gambia, domestic violence is only occasionally reported, yet its occurrence is
believed to be fairly common. The police tend to consider these incidents to be
domestic issues outside of their ordinary jurisdiction. Wife-beating is nevertheless a
criminal offence in the Gambia and constitutes grounds for divorce under civil law. Rape
and assault are also crimes under the law. Any person who has carnal knowledge of a
girl under the age of 16 is guilty of a felony. These laws are generally enforced.
However, spousal rape is not specifically recognized even if the wife is less than 16
years of age198.
Causes
Domestic violence is a social problem that affects all societies with similar and
somewhat universal causes. In a male dominated or patriarchal society, men may feel
that they have control over women that women are not equal to men, or that women are
their ‘property’. Traditional practices such as dowries or the paying of a bride price
reinforce the belief that women are owned by men and that men can treat them
accordingly.
Some of the factors that may lead to domestic violence are low self esteem, frustration
of societal inequalities, jealousy, difficulties in regulating anger and other strong
emotions, or when they feel inferior to the other partner in education and socioeconomic
Network on Gender based Violence (NGBV) The Gambia, ‘DESK REVIEW REPORT of Gender Based
Violence in The Gambia’, NGBV Gambia, September 2010.
198
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
dimension. Alcohol or drug abuse can exacerbate the problem by inducing a greater
loss of control over underlying emotions.
Acceptance of domestic violence in a male dominated society, although not a cause of
violence per se, allows for it to occur and continue 199 . Information from the MICS
2005/06 that assessed women’s attitudes concerning domestic violence, indicated that
74 percent of women believe that a man is justified to beat his wife in certain
circumstances such as going out without informing the husband, if she neglects the
children, if she argues with him, if she refuses to have sex with him and if she burns the
food. Official statistics are difficult to obtain as there are few cases reported, yet
according to key informant interviews, the practice occurs often but is not discussed or
reported as it is seen as a ‘family matter’.
Education level of women impacts the attitudes of women concerning domestic violence
to an extent, with women who have a secondary level of education, as per the chart
below.
Chart 26: Attitudes towards Domestic Violence as per Education Level
Source: MICS 2005/06
Wealth quintiles seem to have more of an influence on women’s attitudes about
domestic violence, as households in the richest quintile seem to believe much less than
others about the use of domestic violence, as demonstrated in the chart below.
Chart 27: Attitudes towards Domestic Violence as per Wealth Quintile
199
Domestic violence is a cyclical pattern, when children see this in the home, they often think that
violence is the only or best way to resolve family matters.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Source: MICS 2005/06
Structural Support
As a signatory to the CEDAW and the African Protocol on the Rights and Welfare of
Women, The Gambia commits itself to prohibiting all forms of violence against women.
Nevertheless, within the Gambian legal context, there are no specific laws that address
GBV.
The Children’s Act 2005, the Women’s Act 2010 and the Criminal Code all specify that
physical assault is a criminal offence, yet there are no specific protocols, written policies
or procedures on how to address cases related to specifically Gender Based Violence
(GBV) currently implemented in The Gambia. Nevertheless in various laws, policies and
legislation, issues related to violence and the protection of women and children are
clearly outlined.
Under the criminal code, wife beating is an offense with ensuing penalties, yet the lack
of reporting and limited response mean that offenders are rarely reprimanded or receive
penal sentences.
A consortium of NGOS (Action Aid The Gambia, Worldview, TARUD, GFPA, GRCS and
Mutapola) on Violence against Women was established in 2006 in order to create
awareness, advocate for support and resources regarding the extent and impact of
violence against women.
The Female Lawyers Association (FLAG) provides legal support to women who are
victims of domestic violence. Additionally, FLAG advocates and sensitizes communities
as to their role and functions in representation of women, so that women will know
where to go for legal assistance.
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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5.4.1.2 Sexual Violence – rape and other forms of sexual abuse and exploitation
As outlined in Chapter 4, rape cases and other sexual abuse are seldom reported in
The Gambia due to a complication of factors, such as social stigma, family pressure to
avoid shame and humiliation which may be associated with sexual abuse, guilt which
may be felt by the victims and unawareness about reporting mechanisms.
Causes
Causes for rape and other sexual abuse are multifaceted but can be attributed to
aggression, attitudes that classify women as sexual objects, and in part to a machismo
culture.
Structural Support
The Criminal Code outlines provisions against sexual violence towards women, such as
rape (Section 121). Section 122 states that the penalty for rape as life imprisonment and
for attempted rape as seven years (Section 124). NGOs such as AATG, work in
increase awareness about gender based violence, including rape.
The Women’s Bureau addresses sexual abuse and violence against women by
advocating for appropriate legislation to address these issues, and implementing
awareness raising activities.
5.4.1.3. Sexual Exploitation of Women
The sexual exploitation of women can take on a variety of forms. In the most extreme
manifestation, human trafficking is carried out wherein women are kidnapped to be
bought and sold for sexual slavery. Prostitution takes place at all levels of societies
when women or third parties sell women’s bodies for the sexual gratification of others,
and the sexually explicit use of women’s bodies to market goods and products ranging
from perfume to auto parts is a common and universal practice.
Sexual exploitation is a serious human rights violation which has physical, psychological
and socio-economic effects on women. Sexual exploitation denigrates the status of
women from one as a complete, whole equal being to one of a secondary status with
one overarching primary purpose of a sexual nature. The overall impact of the sexual
exploitation of women and girls is far reaching, and overwhelming detrimental not only
to women but to society as a whole.
CEDAW Article 6
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to suppress all forms of traffic in
women and exploitation of prostitution of women.
Trafficking
Trafficking in persons is, in itself, a human rights violation, and one which can result in a series
of further abuses, involving debt-bondage, forced labour and slavery-like conditions, as well as
rape, torture, imprisonment and even murder. The treatment of human beings as commodities,
or products to be bought and sold, is considered a violation of their most basic rights to freedom,
autonomy and human dignity by the United Nations (UN) and international human rights groups
(Amnesty International and Anti-Slavery International 2004; Human Rights Watch 2004; United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2005)200.
Human trafficking has been defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer,
harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of
coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of
vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent
of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.
Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or
other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar
to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. The consent of a victim of trafficking in
persons to the intended exploitation set forth shall be irrelevant where any of the means
set forth have been used.
Trafficking is a lucrative industry and is now the fastest growing criminal industry in the
world. Human trafficking usually affects women and children. The total annual revenue
for trafficking in persons is estimated to be somewhere between five and ten billion
dollars, a massive sum by any means201.
Causes
Poverty which often places women in desperate situations is one of the leading cause
for trafficking. Often unsuspecting women are lured by the promise of work in foreign
countries, only to arrive at their destinations to be forced into prostitution or subjected to
inhumane conditions.
200
Fergus, L., ‘Trafficking in women for sexual exploitation the Australian Institute of Family Studies’.
The Point Newspaper, ‘The Human Trafficking Epidemic’, http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/thehuman-trafficking-epidemic, October 29, 2010.
201
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Structural Support
The Constitution provides that women be accorded full and equal dignity of persons with
men. Section 20 and 21 provide for the protection from slavery and forced labour and
protection from inhumane treatment respectively.
The Trafficking in Persons Act 2007 addresses the issue of trafficking of women and
children and aims to prevent, suppress, and punish those responsible for trafficking and
to provide counseling and reintegration for trafficking victims.
The Police have adopted a zero tolerance policy towards the detection, prosecution and
punishment of trafficking offenders. Additionally the stringent national adoption
procedures have been enacted in order to prevent trafficking of children.
Sex Tourism
Prostitution
As tourism increases in The Gambia, some undesirable side effects are inevitably on
the rise. Many tourists view The Gambia as a sexual haven, with women and in some
cases children offering relatively low cost sexual services.
Official statistics on the scale of prostitution in The Gambia do not exist. Antedotal
evidence indicates that prostitution is a common social phenomenon that is prevalent in
both rural and urban areas.
While this issue is addressed in Chapter Four under Child Protection, it is important to
differentiate prostitution among women and children. While both women and children
are often forced into sexually exploitative activities due to poverty, and other xx factors,
women are more likely to have more control of the decision regarding their participation
in prostitution. Therefore it is important to explore some of the factors that lead women
to sell their bodies in return for financial gain.
Causes
Poverty was identified as one of the main reasons for girls and women to resort to
prostitution in order to earn an income. Additionally, during the RTDs, participants
identified the case of ‘sugar daddies’ who provide gifts or pay for education to girls and
young women for sexual services.
There are instances when men pressure girlfriends to participate in sexually exploitative
activities in return for money (pimping their girlfriends). Drug abuse leading to
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
dependency is another factor that can push women into prostitution in return for drugs
or money to buy drugs. Since statistics are not available in The Gambia regarding
prostitution, it is difficult to ascertain if drugs are a reason that Gambian women resort to
prostitution.
5.5 Cultural Practices
5.5.1. Polygamy
The issue of polygamy has important health, education and socio- cultural implication
on the rights of women in The Gambian context. In the Gambia, where approximately
95 percent of the population is Muslim, polygamy is a common practice among all ethnic
groups. Under Islam men can have up to four wives. In Gambia polygamy is a widely
accepted (and also widely discussed practice). Islamic tradition allows a man to marry
up to four wives, if they are able to equally provide for all their financial and emotional
needs. The first wife normally holds the highest status within the family.202
Health
HIV/AIDS –a MRC study found that women in polygamous relationships had rates of
herpes, a viral disease that is spread through sexual contact, similar to HIV/AIDS.
Logically if husbands have multiple partners, the risk for health related illness increase.
Socio – cultural – pending information
Education
Polygamy affects the education of women and children in that children from households
with more children may not be able to send all the children to school. Traditionally, when
parents have a choice of whom to send to school, boys have preferential status. This
issue was raised in the RTDs as a reason for more boys going to school than girls. Is
there data on the number of girls in polygamous households that go to school.
5.6. Political Participation
Full political participation from all members of society is a necessary component of a
free and democratic society and enriches the overall development of a nation. Input
from all citizens including minority groups and members of the most vulnerable is critical
in creating a nation that fully encompasses the rich customs and experiences from all
202
Accessgambia.com, ‘Gambian Polygamy’, http://www.accessgambia.com/information/polygamy.html
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
citizens. Likewise, women’s input into the political process is critical to ensuring that
their rights are heard, respected and safeguarded.
While women’s role in the political process is well recognized in the Gambia, as
demonstrated by the longest serving woman vice president in Africa and a woman as
the speaker of the National Assembly, there are other political dimensions which seem
to lack the full involvement and equal representation of women. This section will
provide an overview of political participation of women in The Gambia, including some
of the striking disparities which currently exist.
CEDAW Article 7
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against
women in the political and public life of the country and, in particular, shall ensure to
women, on equal terms with men, the right:
(a) To vote in all elections and public referenda and to be eligible for election to all
publicly elected bodies;
(b) To participate in the formulation of government policy and the implementation
thereof and to hold public office and perform all public functions at all levels of
government;
(c) To participate in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with
the public and political life of the country.
Article 8
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure to women, on equal terms
with men and without any discrimination, the opportunity to represent their Governments
at the international level and to participate in the work of international organizations.
The Gambia recognizes the important role that women play in private and public life.
Thirty three percent of the Cabinet are women, eight out of eleven high court judges are
women and The Gambia has the first and longest serving woman vice president in
Africa. Yet representation of women in parliament and in leadership positions at the
community level, where important decision making is carried out is dismal. Only 10
percent of parliament members are women, there are no women governors or female
chiefs and not even one percent of village heads are women. Nevertheless, in the last
elections twenty women contested the elections and fifteen won their seats, which
demonstrates some progress203.
Causes
203
Progress Report of The Gambia on the Implementation of the African and Beijing Platform for Action
and Review Report for Beijing +15
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Some of the reasons for limited and unequal representation and participation of women
in the political sphere as identified by RTD participants include inadequate of civic
education, cultural barriers which limit participation, and the assumption that politics are
a ‘dirty business’ which are more suited for men.
Structural Support
The National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women proposes a 30 percent
quota systems for the allocation of jobs and positions in all dimensions of public life,
including in decision making positions. (BPFA) The Women’s Bureau provides training
in leadership skills, public speaking and public protocol for potential political candidates.
5.7. The Most Vulnerable Populations
There is limited, if any data on women who are especially vulnerable. This in itself
speaks loudly about the need to recognize the vulnerability imposed by their ‘invisible
status.’ This group of women includes the following





Single head of households
Women in rural areas
Disabled
Single women – Widowed, divorced, or separated
Poorest Quintile
As data or information is not readily available the following sections outlines issues
related to disabled women and women in the poorest quintile.
5.7.1. Disabled Women
Disabled women in The Gambia are especially vulnerable to issues that affect their
rights. Opportunities for employment are extremely limited, access to health and
education are also restricted for the majority of women who have physical disabilities.
Causes - pending data and analysis
Structural Support
The Department of Social Welfare works in partnership with the RVTH, Bansang
Hospital, VSO and various Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs) to support activities
implemented by organizations to improve and expand the services provided to their
members and beneficiaries, focusing on life skills and livelihood skills training.
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The VSO disability programme is currently supporting research to identify issues
affecting Women with Disabilities which will be used to develop a Women’s Charter to
be implemented by the DPO.
5.7.2. Poorest quintile – pending data analysis of MICS 2005/06
Women who belong to the poorest quintile are at a particularly high risk to suffer from
abuses or denial of basic rights. According to the MICS 2005/06 in almost all indicators
women and children who fall in the poorest wealth quintile have the least access to
services such good health care, employment opportunities and attain lower levels of
education.
Chapter 6. Legislative, Policy and Budgetary Support /Issues affecting Children
and Women – conditions, policies, programs, legislation which affect, and
provide support to Children and Women (success, challenges and gaps).
The Gambia has ratified the UNCRC and its Optional Protocols, the CEDAW, the
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women
in Africa, the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the ILO
Conventions 182 and 138204. The ratification of these documents obligates The Gambia
to honor and implement the articles and tenets therein. This also obligates the Gambia
to establish laws, policies and procedures specifically applicable to children and women.
Although there are extensive and detailed legislative measures that protect the rights of
children and women, the implementation of these measures is often a challenge due to
limited funding for specific activities such as training, child protection hotlines, increased
security protocol.
6.1. Legislative and Policy Review
The Government of the Gambia has ratified a number of International Declarations, and
Conventions including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women(CEDAW), AU Protocol on the Rights of Women and Girls and the
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The following section outlines some of the
important international and national legal instruments for the protection of Children and
Women’s rights that The Gambia has ratified, signed off on, or created.
204
Network of GBV, ‘Desk Review of Gender Based Violence’, Sept 2010.
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6.1.1. International Conventions
6.1.1.1. UNCRC reports on CRC Document
The UNCRC outlines basic rights pertaining to children, including those that protect
children (Art 19) and specific protection for girls against ‘traditional practices prejudicial
to the health of children (Art 24). Articles 34 and 35 outlines protection against all forms
of sexual exploitation and abuse and from sale and trafficking and Article 37 states that
‘no child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or
punishment’.
Since ratification of the UNCRC, The Gambia has made significant progress in meeting
the goals of the Convention with the issues of women and children given prominence in
several national development policies, strategies and programmes. In addition to
creating a favourable policy environment, Government also carried out a number of
legislative reforms. The 1997 Constitution was drafted to provide for the protection of
fundamental human rights and the protection of personal liberty, property and protection
against discrimination. It also recognises in general terms the rights of disabled persons
to respect and dignity and nondiscrimination. The Criminal Code specifically provides
for the protection and preservation of the Right to Life of children and the unborn foetus
and ensures the child’s right to a name, nationality and for care by both parents.
Despite these legislative reforms, the absence of a corporate body of laws that focuses
entirely on the rights of women and children hampers the harmonisation of Gambian
laws with those of the CRC and CEDAW. Existing legislations tend to focus more on the
protective rights of the child rather than their developmental needs and, although the
Courts may be safeguarding the human and legal rights of all individuals in the country,
that may not be enough in the absence of a national surveillance mechanism to monitor
the application of the different provisions of the CRC and CEDAW 205.
6.1.1.2. CEDAW
The Gambia was one of the first countries to sign off on the Convention on the
Elimination of all forms of Discrimination of Women (CEDAW) in 1980. It was officially
ratified by the Gambia in 1993. The Gambia has instituted a series of instruments to
fulfill its obligations in enforcing and upholding this treaty. One of the most significant is
the inclusion of discrimination on the basis of sex in the 1997 Constitution, which
correspond to article 1 of the Convention, and of provisions concerning the equal
United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘End – Decade Assessment Report on Follow – up to The World
Summit for Children’, December 2000.
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opportunities in political, economic and social activities. In addition to this important
action, the Gambian Government has enacted the following measures in support of the
CEDAW206.
Government Supportive Measures of the CEDAW
 Structures have been put in place to empower women and to advise the
Government on women’s issues, including the National Women’s Bureau and
Council, and the Department of State for Women’s Affairs under the Office of the
Vice-President, as well as a gender cabinet subcommittee and a gender technical
committee. A gender focal point network consisting of representatives of key
government departments and civil society organizations has been established.
Parliament has established a select committee on women and children.
 A 1999 National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women was being
implemented, and progress had been registered in particular in the areas of
education, health and economic development. Girl-friendly schools and free State
primary schools had been established to encourage education of girls and enhance
their access to employment in the long term. The national health policy launched in
2001 aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, and an increased number of
communities had become eligible for primary health-care services. Efforts of the
Government had resulted in the decline of maternal mortality rates from 1,050 to 730
to 555 SOURCE per 100,000 live births in 1990, 2001 and 2006 respectively.
 Women contributed greatly to the economic life of the country, as the main
producers of rice and being engaged in horticultural activities and the marine sector.
Efforts in support of rural women included programmes in the areas of functional
literacy, enterprise development, skills training and microfinance as a means of
poverty alleviation. Rural women were increasingly becoming involved in the
groundnut marketing and trade sectors, and accessed information and
communication technologies through community radio stations and media
telecommunication centres.
 Since the late 1990s, women had, for the first time, been elected as village heads
(Alkailos) in the rural administrative structure, where 15 women were elected to area
councils. At national level, nine women now served in the National Assembly and 28
women hold ministerial posts. Women are also represented at the highest level of
the executive, with the Vice-President of the Republic being the first and longestserving female Vice-President in Africa.
 The Children’s Act 2005 which contained specific provisions against trafficking of
children, child marriages, child betrothal and harmful traditional practices was
created.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, ‘Summary record of the 646th
meeting’, CEDAW/C/SR.646, CEDAW (2004).
206
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The Committee monitoring country progress on CEDAW has recognized the many
achievements that The Gambia has put forth in upholding the CEDAW. Nevertheless, in
order to ensure that discrimination on all levels is eradicated, there are several areas
where the Committee recommends improvement. These recommendations are outlined
in the following section.
Recommendations from the CEDAW Committee207
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The CEDAW and related domestic legislation are made an integral part of legal
education and the training of judicial officers, including judges, lawyers and
prosecutors, so as to firmly establish in the country a legal culture supportive of
women’s equality and non-discrimination.
Amend section 33 (5) of the 1997 Constitution, which explicitly exempts from
prohibition of discrimination on grounds of gender the areas governing personal
status, particularly with regards to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial and devolution
of property on death.
The government should view culture as a dynamic aspect of the country’s social
fabric and life, and subject, therefore, to change. Measures should be introduced to
modify or eliminate negative harmful cultural practices and stereotypes that
discriminate against women.
The government should adopt comprehensive measures to address violence against
women and girls, such as enacting legislation on violence against women, collecting
data on all forms of violence, providing training for law enforcement, social workers,
and sensitizing the general public to all forms of violence against women and can
adequately respond to it, and carry out mass awareness raising campaigns working
towards a zero tolerance policy on all forms of violence against women.
The adoption and implementation of legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation,
and to develop a plan of action, including public awareness-raising campaigns,
targeted at both women and men, with the support of civil society, to eliminate the
practice of female genital mutilation.
Introduce legislation on the prohibition of trafficking and effectively implement
legislation on the exploitation of the prostitution of women, and to prosecute
offenders. Put in place programmes to promote women’s economic independence in
order to help to eliminate their vulnerability to exploitation, and measures for the
rehabilitation and social reintegration of women and girls who are victims of
exploitation and trafficking and to ensure the implementation of the 2003 Tourism
Offence Act, and to enhance cooperation with tourists’ countries of origin aimed at
preventing and combating sex tourism.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, ‘Summary record of the
646th meeting’, CEDAW/C/SR.646, CEDAW (2004).
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Steps should be put in place to increase in the representation of women in elected
and appointed bodies in all areas of public and political life and at all levels.
The government should ensure equal opportunity for women and men in the labour
market.
Continue and re – enforce all efforts to decrease the high maternal and infant
mortality rates, and increase women’s access to health services, including healthcare facilities and medical assistance by trained personnel, especially with regard to
prenatal and post-natal care.
Implement comprehensive policies and programmes to prevent and combat
malnutrition, malaria and HIV/AIDS, including measures to guarantee effective
access for women, including young women, to reproductive health-care information
and services. Additionally programmes and policies should be adopted to increase
knowledge about, and access to, affordable contraceptive methods and to increase
the understanding that family planning is the responsibility of both partners. Family
Planning Services should be easily accessible and sex education should be
promoted and provided, targeting men and women, and adolescent boys and girls,
including information on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Measurements should be taken recognizing the importance women’s and girls’ right
to education as a fundamental human right, including for the empowerment of
women. Steps should be strengthened to create an environment that increases the
enrolment and retention rates of girls in schools at all levels, including through the
development of gender-sensitive educational material and to eradicate female
illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, including through comprehensive education.
The Children’s Act should be implemented and awareness-raising campaigns
carried out on the potential negative effects of early marriage on women’s
enjoyment of their human rights, especially the rights to health and education.
Design and implement a gender-sensitive rural development strategy, ensuring that
rural women can participate fully in the formulation and implementation of policies
and programmes in rural areas ensuring that rural women and girls have full access
to health-care services, education and vocational training, as well as credit facilities
and income-generating opportunities.
A comprehensive data collection system of measurable indicators should be
established with ongoing regular collection and reporting.
Encouragement of the Government of the Gambia to consider ratifying the treaties to
which it is not yet a party, namely, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the International Convention
on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families.
6.1.1.3. African Charter on the Rights of the Child
The ACRWC outlines general responsibilities in the protection and promotion of the
rights of the child as specified in the UNCRC and the African Charter on Human and
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Peoples’ Rights. Specifically it protects children from torture (Art 16), obligates States to
‘eliminate harmful social and cultural practices affecting the welfare, dignity normal
growth and development of the child’, specifically outlines that the minimum age for
marriage at 18 years of age (Art 21 (2)), and Art 27 and 29 address sexual exploitation
and trafficking of children.
6.1.1.4. Other International Legal Instruments for the protection of Children and
Women208
6.1.2. National Legislation
6.1.2.1. The 1997 Constitution
The 1997 Constitution clearly outlines that men and women have equal rights under the
law. Section 28 states that men and women shall be accorded full and equal dignity of
person with men and shall be treated equally with men including equal opportunities in
political, economic and social activities. Chapter IV outlines fundamental rights and
freedoms of people, specifically providing protection to children against acts or conduct
that violates their human rights, particularly the right to bodily integrity. Section 29 (2)
protects children under the age of 16 from economic exploitation and hazardous work or
employment.
The constitution also prohibits a person from torture or inhumane, degrading
punishment or other treatment. Section 27 provides for the right to marry which is given
to ‘men and women of full age and capacity’ seemingly making early or forced marriage
against the constitution. Section 28 identifies that ‘women shall be accorded full and
equal dignity of persons with men and shall be treated equally with men, including
208
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights -This international Charter obligates state parties
to ‘combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislation, institutional and
other measures (Art 2). Other articles specifically address violence against women, harmful practices
which negatively affect the human rights of women, specifically referring to FGM. Reproductive health
rights should be guaranteed (Art 14). Protection for widows and elderly women against degradation,
humiliation and degrading treatment are specified in Articles 20, 22 – 24.
African Union Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (Declaration) - The Gambia is a signatory
to the African Union Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (Declaration). In the Declaration,
the Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to gender equality as enshrined in Article 4 of the
constitutive Act of the African Union as well as other existing commitments, principles and obligations set
out in the various regional, continental and international human rights instruments, particularly those
affecting women.
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opportunities in political, economic, and social activities. Discrimination based on race,
color, gender, language, national or social origin, birth or other status is also protected
against in Section 33.
6.1.2.2. Criminal Code Act Cap 10 Vol. III Laws of the Gambia 1990
The Criminal Code makes provision to secure the protection of children from sexual
abuse and exploitation. Specifically it outlines provisions against the following:
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The indecent assault of women and girls (Sec. 126)
Defilement of children (Sec 127)
Rape (Sec 121)
Procurement of children for sex or prostitution (Sec 129 – 130)
Indecent assault of boys (Sec. 146)
Child stealing (Sec. 159)
Kidnapping (Sec 232)
Incest (Sec. 148 – 149)
Intentional maiming, disfigurement or disabling of any person (Sec 212 a, b)
Unlawfully causing grievous harm (Sec. 214)
Unlawfully wounding a person (Sec. 217 a)
Causing the death of another person (Sec.221 a)
Unlawfully wounding a person, and assaults causing actual bodily harm (Section
227, 228)
6.1.2.3. The National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women
The National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women 1999-2009 was adopted
and ratified by the National Assembly in 1999. The policy aims to strengthen the
capacity to adhere to the obligations as laid out in the CEDAW. The policy closely aligns
itself to many of the basic tenets of the CEDAW and serves as a national recognition
and support to the CEDAW.
6,1,2,4, The Children’s Act 2005
In support of the UNCRC, the Children’s Act protects children from violence and abuse,
sexual exploitation, trafficking and sale, and child prostitution. It prohibits harmful
traditional practices, child marriage and betrothals, and harmful publications.
Additionally, there are sections of the Act have extraterritorial reach; exportation or
importation of children for prostitution, kidnapping and abduction of children, trafficking
children, and dealing with children as slaves, foreign travel which promotes or
encourages child prostitution.
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There are reporting obligations outlined in the Children’s Act, mandating that ‘any
person with information on child abuse or a child in need of care and protection to report
to the Department of Social Welfare or police’. It also recognizes vulnerable populations,
such as orphans, street children or victims of sexual abuse and exploitation require
special care and protection.
6.1.2.5. The Women’s Act, 2010
The Women’s Act 2010, which was signed in April 2010, and further reviewed and
updated in October 2010209 sets forth legislation that addresses the rights of women
and girls. Specifically it addresses issues related to their right to dignity, life, integrity
and security of person, freedom of expression, freedom from discrimination, education
and training, health and health care, reproductive rights, acquisition of property,
inheritance, marriage, food security, adequate housing, positive cultural practices,
healthy and sustainable environment. It address specific issues for vulnerable women;
widows, elderly women, disabled women and women in distress.
The Act prohibits all violence against women and girls (Sec. 6) including any form of
physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm, suffering or violence occurring in
public or private. It prohibits domestic violence or wife beating. Sections 9 and 10
prohibit discrimination of women through words, acts, inactions, omissions, laws,
regulations or administrative procedures by public, government or private enterprises.
Abortion is protected in cases ‘where the continued pregnancy endangers the life of the
mother or the life of the foetus’ contingent upon medical certification. Protection against
sexually transmitted diseases, and to be educated on the health aspects of harmful
traditional practices. (Sec 31 (d) and (e))
6.1.2.6. Tourism Offences Act 2003
The Tourism Offences Act prohibits tourists or any other person from making sexual
advances to a child, having sex with a child, or procuring a child for sex, child
pornography, sexual exploitation of a child and child trafficking.
Trafficking Person’s Act
6.1.2.7. The Trafficking Person’s Act address issues related to trafficking of persons,
complaint procedures, and arrests, treatment of victims of trafficking, and rescue,
209
Revised to include a six month maternity leave clause.
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rehabilitation and reintegration. It calls for the creation of a National Agency against
Trafficking in Persons to ensure the effective implementation of the Act.
Gender Policy 2010 – 2020
As a means to strengthen the National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women
1999-2009, The Gender Policy 2010 -2020 was developed. The Gender Policy is
designed therefore to act as reference material and direct all levels of planning,
resource allocation and implementation of development projects with a gender
perspective. The priority areas for the policy are:
• Gender and Education
• Gender and Health
• Gender and Sustainable Livelihoods Development
• Gender and Governance
• Gender and Human Rights
• Poverty Reduction and Economic Empowerment
The overall mission of the policy is to:
1. Achieve gender equity and equality at policy, programme and project levels in all
institutions across all sectors of The Gambian society.
2. Achieve sustainable eradication of gendered poverty and deliver an acceptable
quality of life.
3. Eliminate all forms of discrimination and gender based violence.
4. Empower women to be able to take their rightful position in national development
The overall goal of this policy is to achieve gender equity and women empowerment as
an integral part of the national development process through enhancing participation of
women and men, girls and boys for sustainable and equitable development and poverty
reduction. The policy outlines specific objectives and strategies under each of the four
mission statements above.
Other government measures
The National Women’s Council and the Women’s Bureau strive to ensure the
integration of women into the social, political and economic processes as equal partners,
participants and beneficiaries. The Women’s Bureau is the executive arm of the Council
and oversees its day to day administration and implementation of policy decisions made
by the Council. Both organizations, established in 1980, come under the powers of the
Vice President’s Office.
6.2. Policy and Budget Matrix and Analysis
(To follow based on data availability]
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6.2.1. Sample of Education Budget Tracking – pending available information
Chapter 7. Emerging Trends– the effect of emerging trends and issues on the status
of Children and Women
7.1. Financial, Fuel and Food Crisis
There have been significant shifts in the order and value of various commodities
throughout the world both in terms of medium terms trends abut also with a series of
climate and economy related shocks in the past 12-18 months. Although some of these
will have posed a short term problem to the Gambian economy in terms of the prices of
staples due to widespread crop damage from fire in Russia or the recent crises in the oil
industries affecting fuel prices, it is the longer term trends that should be of greater
concern to Gambia.
Gambia is still very much a subsistence economy whose commodity and manufacturing
economies have been growing slowly. Growth rates alone show a rosy picture but they
are starting from a very low baseline. Manufacturing growth means growth in re-exports;
most noticeably in fisheries and agriculture, but not only do exports total less than a
third of net imports, very little of these exports are manufacturing or re-exports they are
primarily commodities.
The immediate effects of the Global Financial Crisis on children and women in The
Gambia are difficult to summarize due to the complexity of the issues, causes and
outcomes. According to an Oxfam report 210 , The Gambia has been identified as a
‘fragile state’ due it’s low-income and Country Policy and Institutional Assessment score.
According to the report, fragile states have been somewhat ‘shielded’ from the direct
impact of the crisis due to the high level of poverty and uncertain financial environment
already. The level of impact may not be readily apparent, since the incidence of poverty
is high (approximately 60 percent of Gambians are deprived of basic necessities as
defined in the MPI index). Nevertheless the results of the crisis can be observed in
several dimensions such as reduced remittances from abroad which are sent from
countries directing affected by the crisis, a decrease in the availability of donor money,
inflation, and currency devaluation.
Some of the evidence of the fall out from the FFF Crisis are demonstrated by a 25
percent reduction in remittances from abroad and by a decrease in tourism in 2008 (25
percent ) and 2009 (30 percent ). The Food Crisis of 2008 occurred in The Gambia at
210
Report is in draft form.
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a time of severe droughts, and therefore has substantial impact on the ability of poor
households to meet the basic daily food requirements.
As a response to the 2008 food crisis, AATG and VSO led a campaign to increase
awareness concerning the issue and engaged the government to development a
response plan, with input from local communities.
7.2 Climate Change
The Gambia's First National Communication to the United Nations Framework
Convention for Climate Change (2003) (UNFCCC) examined the country's vulnerability
to climate change and identified the main climatic hazards confronting The Gambia as
the following:
Increased climatic variability: Relative to baseline conditions, there have been observed
changes in average, range, and variability of temperature and precipitation throughout
the country;
Recurring drought: The occurrences of dry spells, seasonal droughts and multi-year
droughts are more frequent than in the past. The Gambia’s meteorological records
indicate that there has been a general tendency towards decreasing total annual rainfall
over the last three decades. Studies also show that during the second half of this
century, the country experienced erratic seasonal distribution of rainfall (Hutchinson
&Sam, 1984; Hutchinson, 1985; Anyadike, 1993). Statistical analysis of rainfall patterns
over Banjul based on a 102-year period (1886-1987) established that, among other
things, there has been a consistently late onset of rainy seasons between 1968 and
1987, and an early end to the season between 1970 and 1976 (Anyadike, 1993).
Flooding: there has been a perceived increase in episodes of torrential rainfall with
heavy runoff and flooding. With changing climate conditions, the frequency and intensity
of floods and tides may increase and these together with drought can cause severe
damage to crops, reduce fish resources and cause considerable economic losses.
In order to address and mitigate some of the potentially negative impact to the
environment, agriculture, and health sectors due to climate change, the Gambia
Government has developed specific mitigation strategies and programs estimated at a
cost of US $ 20,122,130, to address the potential impacts of climate change in the
areas listed below211.
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211
SOURCE on document
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Water resources
Agriculture
Forestry
Health
Livestock
Coastal Zone
Fisheries
Energy
Climate change is expected to translate into sea-level rise during the next century. The
extent of the rise is still uncertain. According to World Bank estimates only a very small
percentage of Sub-Sahara Africa’s area and agricultural land would be affected.
Nevertheless, some countries would be much more severely affected. The countries
with greatest land area impact would be the Gambia and, to a lesser extent, GuineaBissau. Banjul, the capital city of the Gambia, is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise
and the entire city could be lost with a 1-metre rise in sea level. A major ecological and
economic consequence of sea level rise would be the destruction of wetlands and
mangroves, which currently provide livelihoods to coastal populations.
Women, particularly those in poor countries, will be affected differently than men. They
are among the most vulnerable to climate change, partly because in many countries
they make up the larger share of the agricultural work force and partly because they
tend to have access to fewer income-earning opportunities. Women manage
households and care for family members, which often limits their mobility and increases
their vulnerability to sudden weather-related natural disasters. Drought and erratic
rainfall force women to work harder to secure food, water and energy for their homes.
Girls drop out of school to help their mothers with these tasks. This cycle of deprivation,
poverty and inequality undermines the social capital needed to deal effectively with
climate change212.
One of the key challenges in climate change is technology in monitoring of current
trends or changes. Additionally there is little information about community perceptions
regarding climate change and local responses to changes in the environment.
United Nations Population Fund, ‘Facing a changing world: women, population and climate’, State
of the World’s Population 2009, UNFPA, November 18, 2009, p.4.
212
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7.3. Urbanization, unemployment, and migration
7.3.1. Population Mobility
It appears that in sectors where the Gambian labour force has usually dominated, like
construction, fishing and tourism, the hiring of foreign workers is becoming increasingly
common (up to 40 percent of hotel workers may be foreign-born). To keep things
within perspective, one should not forget that although these figures are high,
construction, fisheries, and tourism represent together less than ten percent of total
employment. Foreign-owned establishments, which might have an inclination to hire
foreign workers, employ 22 percent of wage employees The presence of foreign-owned
establishments (across a number of sectors, but especially notable in trade activities) is
more marked in urban areas, where they account for 25 percent of all establishments.
The population Census 2003 found that 13 percent of both the economically active and
employed populations were “non-Gambians”. A recent survey of the fishery sector
confirms a significant proportion of units owned by foreigners, mainly of Senegalese
origin, but not overwhelming.
Four major reasons exist for the disproportionate presence of non-Gambian labour in
various occupations. First, The Gambia is geographically surrounded by Senegal and
their populations are linguistically and ethnically similar. This facilitates the movement
Senegalese labour into The Gambia.
Second, there is an acute scarcity of skills among Gambians in particular occupations.
This relative scarcity, especially vis-à-vis Senegal, may have some historical roots.
Before the founding of the technical training school in Banjul in the 1960s, skilled labour
was provided through informal apprentice arrangements within technical units of
organizations and government departments. The manpower made available through
this system was primarily targeted at meeting short-term needs identified by
government and the existing foreign owned commercial firms. No serious planning effort
was ever made to develop a cadre of skilled technicians who could satisfy the needs of
a growing population. As a result, unforeseen and urgently needed skilled manpower
needs were often met through migration from the neighbouring regions of Senegal,
where the formal apprenticeship and skill based training institutions have been in
existence since the colonial period. Moreover, a shortage of skilled labour in social
services has traditionally existed. So the influx of educated refugees as teachers and
health staff from war-torn Sierra Leone, Liberia and other West African Anglophone
countries was quite significant in the recent past.
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Third, the low cost of immigrant labour and the lack of enforcement of basic labour
standards encourages the hiring of migrant labour. Wages offered in certain sectors
may be too low to induce entry from local workers, although accurate measurements of
the reservation wage among economically active Gambians are not available. Some
argue that migrant workers, especially those coming for short periods of time, are more
compelled to find irregular or seasonal work in order to save money before returning to
their country of origin. Seasonal labour circulation between Senegal and The Gambia
has the effect of driving wages down for certain occupations.
Fourth, some occupations, especially in the informal sector, tend to be highly
segmented and rely on social networks to function effectively. This is the case with
trade in which certain migrant communities (Mauritanian, Senegalese and ArabLebanese) seem to control large niches of the sector. If such networks are essential to
be competitive in cross-border trade, the barriers to entry for Gambian workers may be
high. The existence of closed networks of employers and workers with a significant
migrant presence runs the risk of creating niche economies and reinforcing particular
forms of economic exclusion along the lines of nationality and ethnicity. This could
foster a degree of resentment among the local population, especially the urban youth, if
unemployment figures and the incidence of “discouraged workers” increase.
7.3.2 Urbanization
Over the past twenty years, The Gambia has seen a
substantial increase in the urban population. In 1990,
approximately 38 percent of the population lived in
urban areas, in 2010, the total percentage of Gambians
living in urban areas has dramatically increased to 58
percent .
According to a recent UN report on
Urbanization, ‘by 2050, over 60
percent of Africans will be living in
cities. Governments must invest in
housing and infrastructure or face
disaster’. BBC November 24, 2010.
Chart 28: Urban Population in The Gambia 1990 - 2010
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
Source: HDR 2009
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The move from rural areas to urban cities is happening in countries throughout the
world. Some of the effects are an overcrowding and over burdening of urban centers
that are not well prepared to absorb the heavy influx.
7.3.3. Migration
The Gambia experiences relatively high levels of immigration, which have significantly
increased approximately 900 percent since the 1960s from 31,000 migrants in 1960 to
over 290,000 in 2010 (15 percent of the total population). The table below tracks
immigration from 1960 – 2010.
Chart 29: Immigration Trends in The Gambia
Immigration Trend In The Gambia
350
300
250
200
150
Immigrant Stock (000)
100
50
0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Source: HDR 2009
The majority of immigrants into The Gambia come from Senegal, Guinea, Guinea
Bissau, Mail, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. Women make up approximately 48.7 of
immigrants and 3.1 percent of the immigrant population are refugees,
Reasons for immigration in The Gambia include;
 Agricultural harvest
 Refugees from Conflict areas (Southern Senegal, the Casamance, Guinea, Liberia,
Sierra Leone, Guinea Biseau)
 Economic incentives during tourist season (November – May )
Internal Migration
Rural-urban migration is a serious concern in The Gambia, as it is in many other
developing countries. The concentration of the best infrastructure, services and
opportunities in the urban areas has led many rural dwellers, particularly young people,
to move to towns and cities in search of a better life. The problem of rural-urban
migration may have serious consequences at the family level. Migration of the male
household head can affect the family and its structures, sometimes leading to increased
burden and stress213.
213
The Daily Observer, ‘Population and Employment’, November 3, 2009.
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The 2003 census also showed a trend toward more urbanization in The Gambia which
increased from 37.1 percent in 1993 to 50.4 percent in 2003. This has been fuelled by
rural-urban migration. The majority of these people have been young people (63.6
percent of the population are under 25 years old). Availability of jobs is limited with a
small formal sector and only employing 10 percent of the labor force. Women represent
only 9.4% of the skilled labor workforce, despite making up 51 percent of the population.
In contrast women represent 61.9 per cent of the unskilled labor category. (Marfo, 2007).
In The Gambian context, migrants from rural areas could add to the burden of an urban
relative who feels bound by tradition to provide whatever support may be necessary.
This is equally true of economic migrants in search of employment and social migrants
in search of employment and social migrants such as students.
Emigration
The emigration rate is 3.6 percent of the population with the majority of emigrants
relocating in Spain, Senegal, the United States, Nigeria, UK, Germany, Sweden, France,
Norway and Guinea Bissau. As in many low - middle income countries, there is
significant external exodus of skilled workers in The Gambia. The emigration rate for
tertiary educated is 67.7 percent or 44 percent 214. In a recent World Bank Report215,
The Gambia was classified as the country with the second highest proportion of skilled
emigrants.
Nearly 65,000 Gambians are living outside the country in 2010. And an alarming
63 percent of the country’s tertiary-educated population is living abroad as of
2000, which makes Gambia the second nation, behind Cape Verde (68 percent ),
whose university educated nationals left their country the most216.
The healthcare sector seems particularly affected by ‘brain drain’ with trained health
professionals immigrating as outlined below.


Emigration of physicians: - 14.1 percent of physicians trained in the country
Emigration of Nurses: 66.2 percent of nurses trained in the country217
Remittances
214 United Nations Development Programme, ‘Human Development Report’, UNDP, 2009.
215 World Bank, ‘Migration and Remittances Fact Book 2011’, WB, 2010.
216 World Bank, ‘Migration and Remittances Fact Book 2011’, WB, 2010.
217 Docquier and Bhargava 2006
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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Money sent from Gambians who migrant to other countries is important not only to the
families to whom the money is sent but also to the Gambian economy. Remittances
sent to individuals, families, and The Gambian economy accounts for approximately 47
million USD dollars or 6.9 percent of GDP218. Although the direct impact of the effect
of the Financial Crisis on the level of remittances has yet to be assessed, and is
somewhat challenging to carry out given the various means by which money is sent and
received in The Gambia, the increased rate of unemployment in countries of relocation
in Europe and the United States will have an impact on the amount of available
resources that can be sent to recipients in the Gambia.
According to the World Bank report, remittances to Africa fell by nearly 4 percent
between 2008 and 2009, the first decrease since 1995. The Gambia averaged 9.6
percent of GDP in international remittances since 2003, which were among the highest
in the world. However remittances have steadily declined from 14.2 percent in 2003 to
6.4 percent in 2008219.
According to the WB report, the remittance flows at continental levels are expected to
reach US$440 billion by end-2010, up from US$416 billion in 2009. About 75 percent
of these funds, or US$325 billion, will go to developing countries. The report noted that
flows to developing countries as a whole will rise further over the next two years.
7.4. Currency Crisis
The current currency crisis, probably more aptly named a balance of payments crisis is
due to a clash of ideologies between the two biggest economies in the world; the USA
and China. Other currencies are being affected by the political posturing that is taking
place, but the real problem for smaller countries, particularly countries who both import
and export large amounts of commodities (i.e. those with commodities making up a
significant proportion of their balance of payments deficit) is likely to be the effect on
trade movement and prices.
The USA, along with Europe is still the largest market by some distance of
manufactured products, whereas China remains the largest single consumer of
commodities, so any tension between the countries, especially in terms of trade
freedom is likely to have knock on affects to all countries who have commodity
dominated economies.
United Nations Development Programme, ‘Human Development Report’, UNDP, 2009.
World Bank, ‘Poverty reduction Challenges and Opportunities’, Poverty Assessment, World Bank, May
29, 2009.
218
219
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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The Gambia is a net importer of commodities; primarily rice, oil and maize, and an
exporter of groundnuts and fish products. Its main source of commodity exports is India
and Japan (over 50 percent) but it remains a net importer of commodities (a net
negative balance of payments of in excess of $US 200 million) with China its single
biggest trading partner (30 percent)220.
As such the biggest risk to the Gambia is growing prices for commodities that is due to
ever-expanding domestic market for consumption of commodities in China itself. The
problem of imported staple foods could be a significant factor in future risks for both
development of the workforce and any attempt to move away from a commodity based
economy and towards a manufacturing economy, but this also acts as an opportunity to
invest more heavily in agricultural technology and ‘re-export industry’ which has
remained stagnant for the past two decades221.
Investment in commodity agriculture both for domestic consumption and for ‘re-export’
industries should be prioritized, and in most countries this shift has generally been
accompanied by a significant increase in the proportion of women in the workforce. As
an aside it is also associated with significant fall in the fertility rate in rural areas, which
is also likely to have positive benefits for women’s health and well-being.
Chapter 8. Conclusions
The rights of children and women in The Gambia are recognized and protected on
various levels. The government has ratified international treaties, participated in
international discussions and seminars promoting the rights of children and women, and
is making strides in meeting the MDGs. National legislation has been created aimed at
protecting and positively empowering children and women. There are numerous
agencies that implement programs at the local level which focus on specific issues that
affect the rights of children and women.
Those persons who live under the National Poverty Line are extremely vulnerable to
rights abuses and violations as are other vulnerable groups living in The Gambia such
as persons with disabilities, single female headed households, orphans, street children,
children living in rural areas, and people living or affected by HIV/AIDS. Yet the findings
of this study indicated that vulnerable populations are the least represented in Gambian
220
Central Bank of the Gambia, ‘Annual Report 2007’.
The Economist Intelligence Unit, ‘The Gambia: Economist Country Report’, 26 Red Lion Square,
London WC1R 4HQ United Kingdom, July 2009.
221
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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society. In fact, one of the most striking findings of the situation analysis is that the most
vulnerable populations have the least access to much needed assistance and services.
Despite the achievements and progress made over the past ten years, there are still
some hurdles that must be overcome. The maternal mortality rate is one of the highest
in the world, women are far from achieving equal political representation on the national
or local level, traditional practices that endanger the health and create economic
hardships for women and children continue, and poverty affects women and children in
complex ways and has far reaching and long term implications.
Equity and Decentralization
While strong legislation has been enacted and effective programming which safeguard
the rights of children and women is ongoing, the systems that have been established to
ensure that services and programs promote children’s and women’s rights are not
equally implemented across geographical, ethnic and gender divisions and do not
adequately address the gaps of service delivery.
Currently the vast majority of programs affecting children and women are heavily
concentrated in the Greater Banjul Area, with rural areas receiving minimal input and
resources. The rural population, who make up over 40 percent of the population and
over 70 percent of the poor, are in desperate need of, and would greatly benefit from
increased access to quality services.
System Strengthening
Structures and systems that support the implementation of the Children’s Act 2005, the
Women’s Bill 2010 and other relevant polices which protect the rights of children and
women do not meet identified needs in terms of education, especially post primary,
access to quality health service delivery including medications, and ensuring protection
of children who are involved in the justice system. Using the DoSW as an example,
legislation regarding child protection is in place, yet the appropriate facilities, staff and
training are woefully insufficient in implementing the plans which have been drafted.
This goes equally for the heath sector, wherein access to facilities is limited, there is an
insufficient supply of basic medications and there are not enough trained staff to
provided high quality care.
Appropriate Funding
The Women’s Act 2010 and the Children’s Act 2005 are some of the most
comprehensive works of legislation protecting the rights of children and women
currently in effect in Africa. Yet budgets do not reflect the required initiatives which are
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
2010
necessary to implement the specific plans set out in the legislation. For example the
Children’s Act calls for a Social Welfare Officer at every police station in The Gambia,
yet insufficient funding makes this placement impossible. Adequate funding is needed if
systems are to be decentralized and successfully functioning.
Assistance to the Most Vulnerable
One of the most important findings of this report is that programming, resource
allocation, assistance and in some cases recognition is not properly awarded to the
most vulnerable populations. Recognition of the plight of rural
"A nation's greatness
and vulnerable populations is the first step in meeting their needs.
is measured by how it
The plight of widows who are often left with minimum resources,
treats its weakest
the difficulties of the extremely poor (who make up over 30
members."
percent of the population), and the recognition that there are
Mahatma Gandhi.
significant numbers of children who toil from dawn to dusk on the
streets needs to be recognized and programs developed to meet
their needs.
Limited Participation of Women and Children in Decision Making
Findings from this report indicate that women and children are not granted equal input
into decision making, even in areas that directly affect personal well being such as
health, marriage partner, daily work, long term vocation, or what types of food to enjoy.
In The Gambia, men are often the sole decision maker when it comes to household
matters. The result of this lack of input into decision making is that important needs of
women and children are not met and women must confront discrimination at many
levels. Women and children who are most vulnerable are especially hurt by
discriminatory practices. For example, widows due to traditional practices or customary
law are at times left without access to any source of income or property.
One of the biggest problems facing women and children is of household investment.
Decisions, which are taken by the male head of household, are often dominated by
short term thinking due to necessity or an inability to frame benefits accrued in the long
term. This is a widely replicated problem and is witnessed across the scope of
household spending. In order to help address this issue, women and children need to
be included in the decision making process, whether on the household, community or
national level.
Limitations of Legislation
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Situation Analysis of Children and Women in the Gambia
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In some of the most important, yet recognizably sensitive issues, (divorce, harmful
traditional practices, early marriage and inheritance laws) the insertion of the phrase
‘unless customary law applies’ into the article in essence nullifies the original intent. The
inclusion of this wording directly limits and restricts the fulfillment of the rights of children
and women.
Improved Data Collection and Analysis
Timely data collection and analysis is essential to ensure that resources are correctly
targeted, and that programs are implemented in line with objectives and any contextual
changes are addressed. There are data collection systems that function well such as
EMIS, which analyzes education data on a monthly basis to ensure programs such as
school feeding are successfully implemented. Yet in other social service sectors, up-todate data collection and analysis is a challenge. This impedes progress in areas that
affect the rights of women and children such as health care, reporting of abuse or
exploitation and improving services for vulnerable populations.
Limited Employment Opportunities for Women
The female workforce is a highly undervalued and underutilized resource in many subSaharan African economies, and the case of the Gambian economy is no different.
Women have shown themselves to be resourceful and a strategic sector of the
population and are often a critical factor in the move from low to middle income
countries. Evidence from South America and South East Asia have shown that the rise
in the proportion of women in the workforce usually goes hand in hand with significant
jumps in economic growth, particularly in manufacturing and service industries, the two
key areas in which the Gambian economy needs the greatest expansion if it is to build
on its already impressive growth of the last five years.
Contraceptive Accessibility and Use
The Gambia has shockingly low contraception usage rates, which is probably the
primary reason for its still high fertility rate and its population growth rate. It is also
probably one of the key factors in the relatively slow impact on health outcomes
(reductions in IMR and U5MR) that it has achieved despite a considerable level of
progress in health systems indicators such as immunization, ITN usage and treatment
seeking behavior. Evidence has long suggested that making modern contraception
alternatives available at affordable prices tends to improve choice, and it is the
‘unwanted’ children who are most likely to suffer from poor nutrition, worse health
outcomes and poverty.
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A Culture of Silence
A common theme that has been consistently identified as a cause for many of the
issues that adversely affect the rights of children and women is the ‘culture of silence’.
This refers to the cultural phenomenon in which sensitive issues that may not be exactly
in line with traditional practices or not under interpretations of Shiri'a law, such as FGM,
early marriage and inheritance law are not discussed or recognized. This silence can be
detrimental to women and children, especially in cases such as child abuse or sexual
abuse.
200