The Gambia’s law stipulates respect for trade union rights including the right to collectively bargain; however, civil servants and domestic workers are excluded from the coverage of the law and, as the informal economy is larger than the formal, it is evident that there are few workers that actually enjoy these rights. Women receive lower remuneration than men and are largely underrepresented in highly skilled positions. The government does not take adequate measures to promote equal opportunities for disabled persons or those living with HIV/AIDS.
Child labour is not regulated by the law in family enterprises, farms and in domestic service. Even where it is regulated, compliance is poor and child labour, particularly in its worst forms, is a problem in Gambia. Trafficking is a serious problem and the government has failed to start addressing the problem.
