Although working men in The Gambia generally are reluctant to take their 10 days mandatory paternity leave, there are few exceptions.
A senior civil servant recently disclosed to What’s On-Gambia that he was on a paternity leave. For him, it is a constitutional right that many men in the civil service are not aware of.
The Women’s Act 2010 gives 6 months maternity and 10 days’ paternity leave. It’s clearly stated in the Act that any confirmed male employee whose spouse has delivered shall be entitled to a paternity leave with full salary for a period of ten working days and such leave shall not count against an employee’s annual leave entitlement.
The Act, which was enacted by the National Assembly on 12th April, 2010, was described by gender activists as the most progressive enactment that has been passed by politicians.
Janet Sallah Njie, a prominent female lawyer, had said that the act is a source of hope, peace and prosperity for both men and women in the country.
But why are majority of Gambian men not taking the paternity leave to spend time with their newborn babies?
Famous Norway-based gender activist, Neneh Bojang said: “I think it is because our culture tends to promote a patriarchal division between gender roles. Many male employees in the civil service are aware of the paternity leave and its importance, but they think it is the role of woman to stay home with the children.”
Neneh added that men should be encouraged to spend time with their newborn babies and those already doing it, should be praised.