The Gambia upholds ban on Female Genital Mutilation
African Female Voices together with GAMCOTRAP celebrates as FGM remains a crime in The Gambia
The Gambia have voted to uphold the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). This landmark decision marks the end of a long battle, were lawmakers had proposed The Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024 aimed at overturning the ban on Female Genital Mutilation which was criminalised in 2015. Earlier this year, the Women’s amendment Bill 2024 proposed to decriminalise Female Genital Mutilation received an astounding 48 votes, with only 5 lawmakers voting against it. On the 15th of July 2024, the majority of lawmakers rejected the Bill seeking to decriminalise Female Genital Mutilation. This means there is no need for a 3rd and final reading which was scheduled for the 24th of July.
African Female Voices recognises this major breakthrough for the Gambia, were 73% of women between 15-49 having undergone female genital mutilation.
Today we celebrate with NGOs, activists for women and children alike and our partner in the Gambia, GAMCOTRAP led by former vice president Dr Isatou, for their work in mobilising, educating and ensuring that the right messaging is being shared across the continent about female genital mutilation, and their work to ensure lawmakers reject the decriminalisation of FGM.
Activism is a powerful tool and a space for even ordinary civilians to partake in. It’s not just the work of politicians and global NGOs and we saw that through our anti Female Genital Mutilation campaign over the past couple of weeks.
There is still loads of work to do. However, today we celebrate this victory.
In the words of Martin Luther king “The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Toward Justice”. No matter how much time it takes and how difficult the path, progress toward a better, inclusive continent that upholds the rights of women, is happening right now and will continue into the future.
Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children
Podcast Episode: Dr Isatou Touray
Hear Dr. Isatou as she delves into the critical issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Gambia. This compelling episode tackles the recent movements towards the decriminalization of FGM, debunks myths including erroneous religious beliefs, and highlights the human rights violations associated with the practice
Spotlight on Female Genital Mutilation- The Gambia
African Female Voices partners with Gamcotrap to urge the government to uphold The Anti-FGM Law
In a recent development, The Gambia has taken steps to reverse the ban on female circumcision, commonly referred to as female genital mutilation, that was enacted in 2015. Female genital mutilation involves removing part of or all of a woman's external genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is estimated that over 230 million girls worldwide have experienced female genital mutilation. In Gambia, 73% of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone the repulsive procedure, with some even undergoing the practice before the age of 5.
This practice, often done in the name of religion or tradition, is not required by Islamic law(as the vast majority of the population ascribes to Islamic teachings) and contradicts its teachings.
African Female Voices supports the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children and other organizations in advocating against the potential repeal of the law criminalizing FGM in The Gambia. This legislation is crucial for safeguarding the human rights and dignity of women and girls in the country. Maintaining this law is vital for protecting women's rights and preventing the erosion of protections for vulnerable groups.
We urge the Gambian Government to honour its commitment to eliminating FGM and promoting gender equality and women's rights by upholding and enforcing laws against this harmful practice during the upcoming National Assembly session in July.
Together, let's ensure the rights and well-being of women and girls in The Gambia are upheld.
Additional Female Genital Mutilation Resources
About GAMCOTRAP
Check out our social media campaign
Check out our social media campaign
Established in 1984, The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices works to end female genital mutilation through community education, promoting women's health and empowerment.
Check out our social media campaign
Check out our social media campaign
Check out our social media campaign
African Female Voices has launched a social media campaign to amplify diverse perspectives and stories from women across the continent. Join us in celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of African women. Follow our hashtag #AFVVoices and be part of the movement towards gender equality and empowerment.