Gambians have lashed out at the government over its decision to reduce official working hours for female staff during Ramadan so they could return home early to prepare Iftar meals. 

A directive from the government said: “This is to authorise all female civil servants to close work at 1400 [2pm] from Monday to Thursday and adhere to the normal closing time for Friday [12:30pm] in honour of the holy month of Ramadan which officially begins today Tuesday.”

The statement also asked all government permanent secretaries to transmit the message to their staff.

However, the statement caused backlash among Gambians on social media who denounced it as “imbalance and outrageous”.

Oley Dibba-Wada, a senior official of the opposition United Democratic Party, said: “What women want is to be treated with dignity; have equal merit-based income; salary increase; protection from violence & better healthcare.

“In addition, the assumption that allowing women to leave the office early to rush home & prepare meals for their families is a favour.”

Lamin Sam Jaiteh also wrote that: “Patriarchy in full swing in The Gambia. Civil service bosses have written to all female government workers to knock off early from work ‘to attend to their traditional evening ‘Iftar’ preparations’. In essence, a go-home-and-cook-for-your-husband notice.”

Mariama Faal said “This is very unfair” adding “Our men should learn how to cook. Is a companionship not slavery?”

Sohna Sallah said: “If that’s the case, then why aren’t women let off at 2pm year-round to go prepare dinner? Women want equality, not tokenism”.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba