Lawmakers in The Gambia rejecting a bill seeking to overturn the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) is a win for women, girls, and the advocacy for the prohibition of this harmful practice.
Development Diaries reports that the Speaker of Parliament, Fabakary Jatta, said a majority of members of parliament had voted against the bill even before its third and final reading, due later in July.
The draft law, sponsored by Almameh Gibba, was rejected after being voted against for all of its proposed clauses.
Recall that earlier we called on the The Gambia National Assembly to protect women and girls by rejecting the proposed anti-women and girls bill.
FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and causes severe bleeding, problems urinating, and later cysts and infections, as well as complications in childbirth and an increased risk of newborn deaths.
About 73 percent of women and girls in the country, aged 15 to 49, have been subjected to this illegal practice.
While the rejection of the bill remains a win for women and girls across The Gambia, the authorities must now amplify efforts on combating FGM.
Development Diaries calls on the health ministry in The Gambia and all law enforcement agencies to ensure the enforcement of the ban on FGM in the country.
Photo source: The Voice
