THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS & INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA The right to housing is a directive principle of state policy. This means that it is not justiciable. There is limited constitutional protection and enforcement of socio-economic rights in The Gambia. The Women’s Act under Section 49 provides for the rights to adequate housing. Although there are schemes and programmes implemented by both Government and other bodies aimed at eradicating poverty, the resulting constraints in education, health, income, voice and legal rights prevent women from participating effectively in national development. THEME 6; RIGHT TO PEACE; ARTICLE 10 The Gambia is a party to UNSCR 1325 which calls on peace keeping operations to incorporate a gender perspective in all their work and the maintenance of gender equality at all levels of the entire mission. In line with this obligation, Gambian women security personnel have participated in a number of peacekeeping missions both in and outside the region. The Government of The Gambia continues to implement programmes and initiatives aimed at ensuring the full participation and representation of women in peace processes; including the prevention, resolution, management of conflicts and post conflict reconstruction. Achievements and Progress Made since 2012  The Gambia National Action Plan (GNAP) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 adopted in 2012 continues to guide Governments efforts to ensure the full and effective participation of women in peace processes. The GNAP focuses on three main pillars: Prevention, Protection, and Participation. Under each of these pillars, strategic issues have been developed for the realization of each relevant article under the UNSCR 1325 as it affects the national context of The Gambia.  Efforts are been made geared towards attaining the UN Secretary General’s target for 50% female representation at managerial and decision making levels of peace support operations. Security institutions in the country such as The Gambia Police Force have several women at or above the Superintendent rank. The Immigration Department has had at least three high ranking women officers while the Prisons sector also boasts of two senior women Officers, 163