The Gambia has taken a decisive step toward ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189 on Domestic Workers, as the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment convened a two-day National Consultative Workshop at Baobab Hotel in Bijilo. The event, held in partnership with the Centre for Research and Action on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights (CREDESA), brought together government officials, trade unions, employers, and civil society actors to chart a national roadmap for ratification.
In his opening remarks, Fabba Jammeh, Director of Employment at the Ministry, underscored the importance of collective dialogue. “This is a call we all cherish. The presence of workers, employers and social partners shows a great concern for us to move forward,” he said, reaffirming government’s commitment to working with partners under the PASSDOM programme, which promotes trade union action for migrants and domestic workers.
Deputy Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment Mariama Fofana highlighted the precarious conditions faced by domestic workers, noting that: 89.9% lack formal contracts. 86% have no medical insurance. Most remain excluded from unions, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
She stressed that ratification is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work, gender equality, and human rights. Fofana pointed out that the Labour Act 2023 has, for the first time, formally recognized domestic work within national labour legislation. She also cited bilateral labour agreements with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as examples of efforts to create regulated opportunities for Gambian workers abroad.
However, she acknowledged that enforcement of labour laws has historically been weak, urging the government to strengthen implementation mechanisms and allocate adequate funding for awareness campaigns.
Dr. Fatima Diallo, Executive Director of CREDESA, emphasised the broader significance of ratification. “By harmonising legislations across Africa, we can create a coherent legal framework for protecting domestic workers, many of whom are migrants. This is crucial for African integration and for safeguarding rights beyond national borders,” she said.
The workshop aims to produce a national roadmap and adopt the Banjul Declaration, committing stakeholders to concrete steps beyond rhetoric. Participants were urged to engage fully, share expertise, and contribute to shaping a future where domestic workers enjoy dignity, fairness, and protection.