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 has been set up since 1980 tasked with the responsibility of advising Government on the wellbeing of women and girls.  Accordingly, a National Women`s Council has been established by the Women’s 2010. The Council is composed of 65 members with 8 nominated councillors representing the interests of women countrywide. The Act mandates the Council to develop methods for the integration and implementation of gender and women’s rights initiatives in all areas of Government activities, to initiate education for all public officers and authorities regarding equality between women and men, examine and study the economic, social and cultural structure of the society and advise the Government on areas where the participation of women should be encouraged and strengthened.  The Gambia adopted the National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women 2010-2020 which focuses on gender as a development concept and the participation of women and men in an equal and equitable manner for economic, political and social development of The Gambia. Furthermore, one of the policy’s guiding principles is to take affirmative action to redress historical and traditional forms of discrimination against women and girls in political, education, economic and other social spheres.  The Women’s Act 2010 requires the State to ensure that women are adequately represented in the Judiciary and enforcement organs of the state, it is also a directive principle of state policy to ensure that women are fairly represented and involved in decision-making positions.  Paid Maternity Leave: A very ground-breaking provision under the Women’s Act of 2010 deals with maternity. It provides that expectant women are entitled to 6 months maternity leave with all benefits and a further 6 months unpaid leave where they so desire.  The Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015: The Government of The Gambia in addressing the need for the protection of women’s reproductive health rights amended the Women’s Act 2010 to incorporate the prohibition of the harmful traditional practice of Female Genital Mutilation. Policies  The Government with the support of its partners has formulated policies designed to mainstream gender in development. The National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women (NPAGW) 1999 – 2009 was the main reference point for stakeholders to address the needs and interest of Gambian women with regards to participation, access, ownership and rights for the attainment of a just and equitable society. The NPAGW specifically targeted women and covered 18 thematic 88