The interface, further accords members a perfect opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Labour Act 2023 and the Domestic Violence Act 2013, which provide a strong legal framework to safeguard the rights of domestic workers in The Gambia.
In her welcoming address, Burry Tunkara, president of ADDAD, explained that the day’s dialogue is a perfect moment to discuss ways of ending violence, exploitation in households.
‘‘Though, when I say economic, cultural, social, and cultural rights of domestic workers, I don't mean charity. I mean the fundamental rights of domestic workers covered under the Labor Act.’’
She reminded that for so long, domestic workers have been in the shadow, whispered about, but never seen, adding that based on that fact, as a member of the Committee of the Association of Women's Rights in Development, they convened the forum to talk about the importance of access to justice.
In that regard, she reminded that the rights of women must include the women who are working behind closed doors 24/7 without anybody noticing; the women who are scrubbing the floors; the women who are raising children who are not theirs; the women whose labour make any other work possible, but it seems they are sometimes forgotten.
She described domestic workers as the foundation of society and that they play a critical role in the country’s economy.
‘‘Your contribution to the economy speaks loud, though it is not recognized. The Commission on Status of Women is not just a building, but it is a space where they bring women together to raise their voice higher.’’
Through this, she said, their stories become their strength and struggle becomes their shared strategies.
To this end, she salutes the tireless efforts of their partners for their foresight and making the dialogue a possibility.
Faba Jammeh, Director of Employment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, described domestic workers as the backbone of households and communities, yet too often their contributions remain undervalued and their rights overlooked.
This, he added, is the environment that the country wants to emerge from in a bid to improve the working conditions of domestic workers in the country.
‘‘Today's gathering is a powerful reminder that justice, dignity and protection must be extended to all workers, regardless of where they live. The Labour Act 2023 and the Domestic Violence Act 2013 provide a strong legal framework to safeguard the rights of domestic workers in The Gambia. But laws are not just enough.’’
Those laws, he added, must be understood, respected and enforced, pointing out that this advocacy hub is therefore a vital platform to empower domestic workers with knowledge, build solidarity across movements and ensure that voices too often silenced are heard loud and clear.
‘‘As we engage in dialogue today, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to create workplaces free from exploitation, homes free from violence and societies where every worker enjoys equal protection under the law.’’
Jammeh spoke of the Ministry’s resolve to collaborate with the organisation and other partners to advocate this vision of justice and equality.
‘‘Together we can transform rights on paper into realities in practice.’’
Tida Jassey and Amie Bah, both members of the ADDAD, shared some of the challenges they encounter in their line of duties including low wages, calling for change of attitude and to see them as people who want to earn through their sweat.
Equally, the duo emphasised the need to end all stereotype and negative attitudes by some members of the community towards their members, calling the need for more empowerment and to respect their rights at all times.
Sohna Jow from Female Lawyers Association- The Gambia, made presentations on Access to justice and available laws for the domestic workers.
