THE LEVEL OF WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION AND REPRESENTATION IN THE PARLIAMENT: THE GAMBIAN EXPERIENCE.

Abstract

This study uses a survey design to facilitate the aim of understanding the low political representation of women in the Gambia. The study adopts a mixed approach to discuss the issues of women’s participation and representation in parliament. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Findings from the study suggest that a majority of participants share a sense of doubt or pessimism regarding the prospect of achieving gender parity in parliamentary representation. The findings underscore the need for continued efforts to address the barriers and challenges faced by women in politics and promote gender equality in representation in
The Gambia. Affirmative Action such as party quotas seems far away. The study herewith, recommends thus: Political parties should provide enabling fair play environment for women to participate in the democratization process in The Gambia, thus, the concept of politics among women should be corrected through proper awareness campaigns to educate women on the need to understand that the negative concept of politics must be corrected and negative stereotype of women dampens their morale thereby impacting on their zeal to participate in politics.