By Landing Colley
Lawmakers are reviewing the Domestic Violence Act 2013 and Women Amendment Bill 2020 – which showed stakeholders appearing before the house committee in Banjul.
Tuesday’s interactive roundtable engagement on the papers was aimed at scrutiny and final approval.
Ousman Sillah, chairperson of the select committee said: “we have engaged stakeholders as it is required by the standing order and even in the Constitution to consult stakeholders when considering Bills.”
He said the domestic violence Act 2013 which talks about settlement of cases out of court that is when court is considering cases of domestic violence, they should not be allowed out of court settlement if the out of court settlement is going to infringe on the right of the complainant.
“The women amendment Bill on the other hand talks about the percentage for women in term of office. That is, 30% of offices should be reserve for eligible women and 50% of places in term of school and scholarship should be given to women,” he added.
He however said in consultation with stakeholders the proposed amendment of the above mentioned Bills has been agreed.