By Fatou Dahaba
The Centre for Research and Policy Development recently conducted an in-depth survey focused on the political participation of women and youth in The Gambia. The findings highlighted a significant trend: Gambian women are statistically less likely to engage in corrupt practices than their male counterparts. This insight sheds light on the integrity levels within political spheres and suggests potential advantages in increasing women’s representation and involvement in governance.
“Women’s Perceptions: More women (77%) than men (65%) believe that women are less corrupt than men. Agreement on Corruption Differences: Among those who agree that women are less corrupt (more men) than women (16%) hold this view,” a new survey reveals findings during a stakeholder engagement with CRPD on 13th November, at Bakadaji hotel.
The survey also focuses on other issues, such as factors contributing to low women’s representation and youth engagement in political participation, the need for a quarter system and affirmative action, and reasons for not electing women to key decision-making positions.
“Reasons for women not being elected in national assembly: More than half of the citizens (58%) disagree that “women do not make good leaders as men” is not a reason for women not being elected to the National Assembly.
Male Influence in Politics: 41% of citizens believe that “women in politics are held back by men,” identifying this as a significant barrier to women’s election to the national assembly.
Youth in Politics: Citizens show similar perceptions about the obstacles youth face in being elected to the national assembly, aligning with the views on challenges for women.”
On the willingness to vote for women and young candidates, most citizens (81%) say they would vote for a woman candidate. Women show higher support (88%) than men (73%).
The Findings further revealed that most citizens agree that women (65%) and youth (64%) are interested in leadership roles.
On the Views on Quota Systems and Affirmative Action, the survey says the lack of a formal quota system in The Gambla has contributed to the limited representation of women in national governance and party leadership positions.
Key Informants noted that, unlike other African countries that have introduced quota systems to ensure equitable representation, The Gambig still needs to implement such measures, making it difficult for women to achieve parity with their male counterparts.
Meanwhile, the findings show that a substantial proportion of citizens (84%) support introducing a quota system to ensure more women are elected to the national assembly.
Most respondents agreed that youth participation, especially in party campaigns and activism, is increasing more rapidly than women’s representation.
Additionally, the findings disclosed that youth wings within political parties are gaining momentum, creating a foundation for younger members to contribute ideas and Influence party direction at the grassroots level.
However, even with this positive trend, youth remain marginalized in formal decision-making positions.
Fifty-five percent of respondents reported that they trust some of the information from the media; 22 percent trust all information, but 19 percent do not.
Mariama Davis, Program Officer CRPD, said the survey aimed to assess societal perspectives on women and youth inclusion in Gambian politics and identify opportunities and obstacles to meaningful participation at local and national levels.
She added that the findings will inform policy initiatives to increase women’s and youth participation in national politics, contributing to developing a more inclusive political environment in the Gambia.
‘The study is set within The Gambia’s ongoing democrat transition, exploring how to effectively incorporate diverse voices into the political structure and governance processes.’
