The Gambia develops roadmap to ratify ILO Domestic Workers Convention

The Gambia has initiated a national roadmap to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189 on Domestic Workers. The Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment held a two-day consultative workshop with government officials, trade unions, employers, and civil society to coordinate this effort.

Data presented during the workshop highlighted the precarious nature of domestic work in the country, noting that 89.9% of workers lack formal contracts and 86% have no medical insurance. While the Labour Act 2023 has formally recognized domestic work within national legislation, officials emphasized the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent exploitation.

The ratification process aligns with the PASSDOM programme, which promotes trade union action for migrants and domestic workers, and supports Sustainable Development Goal 8 regarding decent work and gender equality.