A Win for Human Rights as Gambia’s Lawmakers Preserve Ban on Female Genital Mutilation
A measure to repeal the Gambian ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) was vehemently opposed by MPs, marking a major victory for human dignity and women’s rights. There has never been a more pivotal moment in The Gambia’s fight for gender equality and the eradication of harmful traditional practices than this one.
Making Sense of the Setting
For decades, the tiny West African nation of The Gambia has struggled with the problem of female genital mutilation. An astounding 73% of women and girls in the country between the ages of 15 and 49 have been impacted by the practice, which is firmly grounded in specific religious and cultural beliefs. The Gambia is one of the top ten countries in the world for female genital mutilation (FGM), which shows how critical it is to keep the prohibition in place and enforce it.
The Final Product of the Legislative Process
Under pressure from certain Muslim clergy, a bill to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation was introduced in March 2024. At first, it was approved by most MPs, which caused human rights activists to be concerned. Unfortunately, the measure was voted down before it even reached the third and last reading, a development that several rights organizations, including the UN have praised.
Legislators voted down every provision of the bill, putting a stop to its further development, as announced by Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta. The Gambia has shown its dedication to protecting its most vulnerable citizens and preserving human rights through this courageous step.
A Critical Look at the 2015 Ban
The Gambia made history in 2015 when it passed its groundbreaking ban on female genital mutilation. As a result, it instituted harsh punishments for FGM practitioners, such as:
1. Penalties for abusers
Two to three years in prison
Three, life sentences in the event that a girl dies as a consequence of the operation
A strong deterrent and a symbol of the government’s commitment to ending female genital mutilation were the goals of these strict regulations.
Fetal mutilation everywhere
Worldwide, millions of women and girls are impacted by the practice of female genital mutilation. Over 230 million girls and women across the world have experienced female genital mutilation at some point in their lives, according to the UN. Despite being outlawed in over 70 countries, the practice continues, especially in countries with a Muslim majority.
For reasons other than medical care, female genital mutilation (FGM) removes all or part of a woman’s external genitalia. Extreme cases involve genital mutilation, which not only damages a woman’s capacity to feel sexual pleasure but also poses serious health risks due to the removal of her delicate clitoris and subsequent cutting and stitching.
Advocacy Groups and Their Function
The Gambia’s continued opposition to female genital mutilation is largely attributable to the work of human rights and advocacy groups. The renowned rights group ActionAid said that removing the prohibition would have put the nation’s efforts to end violence against girls and women at grave risk.
To put an end to female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), ActionAid Gambia’s women’s rights manager, Binta Ceesay, said, “We as campaigners fought tooth and nail to bring about a ban and an end to FGM/C.”
Future Obstacles
Even though it’s a huge win that the measure to reverse the FGM prohibition was rejected, there are still obstacles to eliminating the practice in The Gambia. Among them are:
1. Feminist worldviews that defend female genital mutilation
3. Inadequate enforcement of current legislation 4. A lack of knowledge of the negative impacts of the practice
4. Education and healthcare are less accessible in rural places.
Next Steps: Methods for the Complete Elimination
Several approaches could be put into place to expand upon this legislative triumph and strive for the total elimination of FGM in The Gambia:
1. Strengthened public awareness initiatives regarding the negative impacts of female genital mutilation
2. Stricter enforcement of the ban to guarantee its successful implementation
3) Working with influential members of the community and religious groups to question established standards
FGM survivors should have better access to healthcare and support services.
5. Maintaining partnerships with advocacy groups and foreign organizations
In summary
The decision by the Gambian parliament to maintain the prohibition on female genital mutilation is a major victory for the empowerment of women and girls. Reiterating the nation’s dedication to human rights, it serves as a strong example for other countries facing comparable challenges. The task, however, is far from finished. To ensure that all Gambian women and girls can live free from the threat of FGM, the government, civil society, and foreign partners must continue their efforts to remove this destructive practice.
