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 Despite this continued deficiency, Government has taken strides in realizing this right for women but more still needs to be done as women are still in the minority in parliament (as reflected above) and other public offices. Constraints 1. Despite the considerable progress made, The Gambia is yet to attain the requisite 30% representation at all levels. The Target had been attained at the level of cabinet however recent changes in cabinet have seen this change. Further, the representation at the National Assembly and Local Government remains below the minimum required. There is need to encourage more women to assume top managerial positions and other decision-making roles in the interest of empowering them. 2. Socio-cultural beliefs and practices, such as patriarchy continue to hinder the complete acceptance of women and their participation in positions of leadership. Cultural phenomena have created the stereotype ‘impression that men are superior and women are inferior’ and a ‘socialization process [that] has also led men and women to perceive men as leaders and women as supporters.’ These perceptions are alleged to “put women in the private sphere as wives, mothers and daughters and men in the public domain of decision-making”, as well as the economic and political arena. 3. The Women’s Act did not adequately address this problem as meeting the target was not included as a legislative requirement. 4. The trend of excluding females from decision-making positions is a reflection of the low status of women and other groups in Gambian society. There is need for the promotion of girls and women’s participation in politics so that they come forward in their numbers to vie for political office. Access to public property and services To ensure all people have the right to public property and services, Section 31 of the Constitution protects persons with disability from exploitation and discrimination particularly as it regards access to health services, education and employment. In recognition of challenges faced by persons from disadvantaged communities, the Government has reduced the fee payable by persons seeking medical treatment at Government medical facilities. Education 62