By Modou Touray
Mr Baboucarr Bouy, the Minister of Public Service, Administration Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, stated that Sexual harassment persists in Workplaces but often in silence. He made the remark at the opening of a 2-day workshop by the National Human Rights Commission on accelerating the adaptation of their Sexual Harassment Policy in Workplaces, underway at the Senegambia Beach Hotel
” Sexual harassment is not a distant problem, even in a cultural setting like ours, where most of us take the issue for granted. It exists in silence, sometimes through remarks, gestures, and power imbalance. Its impact may be Permanent, which can destroy confidence, silent voices, and create a culture of fear and mistrust”
Honourable Bouy observed that most organisations wait for an incident to happen before putting protections in place, noting that we cannot afford to be reactive.
” Creating a strong, clear, and enforceable Sexual harassment Policy is not just about being compliant with the law; it’s about being proactive in creating a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and can thrive.”
He commended the National Human Rights Commission for their foresight in publishing the Sexual harassment in workplace policy,2021 while stressing that the policy will inevitably be a vital tool – one that public institutions, private entities, and civil society organizations alike will be able to utilize to promote safer and more conducive Workplaces throughout the country.
He added that the government of the Gambia, through the Minster of Public Service, remains deeply committed in creating a professional public service that is inclusive, dignified, and free from any form of harassment pointing out that the commitment is clearly articulated in the Recovery- Focused National Development Plan 2023-2027, which explicitly recognises Sexual harassment as a barrier to gender equality, productivity, and well-being of our workplace.
” The plan makes it clear that we cannot achieve sustainable development if our Workplaces are not safe for all. Because of this. I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Public Service has drafted a Sexual harassment policy that mirrors that of the NHRC’s Policy. We believe that a single and comprehensive policy for the entire public service will promote consistency, accountability, and effective enforcement across all ministries, departments, agencies, as well as our Foreign Missions.”
The Minister further said that their policy is now at a stage, and plans are underway to conduct a validation exercise to be followed by submission to cabinet approval before its full implementation.
” We are confident that your collective expertise and the ongoing collaboration between Government, Civil service and the private sector, will deliver a policy that is not only comprehensive but also implemented and reflective of our shared values “
