There has been widespread condemnation over regressive calls to repeal the law against female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia.
Development Diaries reports that FGM was made illegal under sections 32A and 32B of the Women’s Act 2010 in the West African country in 2015.
However, the court’s conviction of three women for performing FGM on eight newborn girls in August 2023 ignited current moves to abolish legal protection for girls.
The Kaur/Kuntaur Magistrates’ Court’s historic decision represents the first prosecution since the law banning FGM was passed eight years ago.
Data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that 73 percent of women and girls aged 15 to 49 in The Gambia have been subjected to this illegal practice.
Also, seven of the country’s nine ethnic groups practice FGM, according to research by the Foundation for Research on Women’s Health, Productivity and the Environment (BAFROW).
It is understood that some religious and political leaders have begun advocating for the decriminalisation of FGM, including regressive statements in the national parliament calling for the law to be repealed.
Reacting to this development in The Gambia, over 150 civil society organisations (CSOs) have jointly called on the government of the country to stand firm in its commitment to protecting women and girls by upholding the law prohibiting FGM.
The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO), The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) and the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV) are some of the organisations.
It is important to ensure that every girl and woman enjoys her fundamental human rights and has her dignity respected and defended because the significant progress made in defending the rights and well-being of women and girls would be undone if the FGM law is repealed.
To speed up the eradication of FGM, ongoing efforts are necessary, hence the need for improved enforcement measures and nationwide awareness-building in The Gambia.
Development Diaries calls on the government of The Gambia and its Ministry of Justice to uphold the law against FGM in the country and ensure that those culpable face appropriate consequences as recognised by the law.
The government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, must also ensure the protection of the rights and well-being of FGM survivors
Source: Social News XYZ
Photo source: The Voice
