In a significant move applauded by international organizations, The Gambia’s National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights by voting to uphold the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This decision, praised by leaders including UNICEF’s Catherine Russell, UNFPA’s Natalia Kanem, WHO’s Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN Women’s Sima Bahous, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, underscores the country’s dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of its girls and women.
FGM, a practice involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, poses severe immediate and long-term physical and psychological risks, including infection, complications during childbirth, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Typically performed on infants and young girls, the practice has been widely condemned for its detrimental effects.
The Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015 stands as a crucial milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to promote gender equality and eliminate harmful practices, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5.3. The legislation reflects years of advocacy, community engagement, and education aimed at eradicating FGM and protecting the rights of girls and women.
By maintaining the ban on FGM, The Gambia upholds its international and regional commitments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Maputo Protocol. These legal protections are pivotal in the fight against harmful practices and contribute to creating a safer and healthier future for girls and women.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of grassroots movements, survivors, activists, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups, the statement emphasizes the ongoing efforts to end FGM. It highlights the importance of sustained advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration with traditional, political, and religious leaders to effect meaningful change.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Over 73% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in The Gambia have already undergone FGM, underscoring the urgency of continued action. Comprehensive strategies that include healthcare, psychological support for survivors, and awareness campaigns are essential to eliminate the practice and support those affected.
Looking forward, the statement calls for continued international support to uphold gains made in the fight against FGM and to ensure the rights and dignity of all girls and women are protected. It urges collective action until every girl and woman can live free from violence and harmful practices.
In conclusion, the decision by The Gambia’s parliament to uphold the ban on FGM represents a critical step towards achieving gender equality and protecting the rights of girls and women. It reinforces the global commitment to ending FGM and calls for sustained efforts to secure a future where every individual can thrive free from harm.
