Women in Gambia are expected to use a head tie and neatly wrap their hair. Published on Monday January 4, 2015, the memo is addressed to women who work in government ministries,agencies and departments. It is implemented during official working hours.
Gambia: No work for women with uncovered hair
The memo states, “This is to inform you that an executive directive has been issued that all female staff within the government ministries, departments and agencies are no longer allowed to expose their hair during official working hours effective December 31, 2015. Female staff are advised to use head tie and neatly wrap their hair. All heads of departments and agencies are urgently advised to implement this directive and bring it to the attention of their female staff within their line of departments and agencies. All are strictly advised to adhere to this new directives.”
President Yahya Jammeh is committed to his Islamic faith. He recently declared Gambia an Islamic state after claiming majority of Gambians are Muslims . He also talked about the need to uphold an identity of true Islam where the rights of all citizens are respected.
Civil rights groups where quick to criticize his Islamic state decision. The civil rights groups and the opposition accused him of violating Gambia’s constitution.
Critics have been quick to cite that the first lady Zineb Yahya has been spotted with uncovered hair in some occasions.
President Yahya Jammeh has been advised by the opposition to focus on the real problems of Gambians which can be identified in all facets of life.