A Gambian lawmaker’s attempt to overturn the country’s 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
The move comes after Gambia imposed its first fines on those convicted of FGM in 2023. While activists criticized the leniency of the sentences – a $220 fine for three women who cut eight girls – they saw it as a positive step against a culture of impunity.
However, the convictions also triggered a backlash from some religious leaders and Gambian lawmaker Almaneh Gibba. Gibba argues that the ban is not reflective of the will of the majority in Gambia, a predominantly Muslim country, where some believe FGM, also referred to as female circumcision, is a religious requirement and a rite of passage for girls.
Gibba’s proposed bill has alarmed human rights groups who warn it would be a devastating setback in the fight against FGM, a practice recognized by the United Nations as a serious human rights violation.
A Deeply Divided Nation
Despite the ban, statistics reveal a high prevalence of FGM in Gambia. According to government figures, 73% of Gambian women aged between 15 and 49 have undergone the procedure. Nearly three-quarters of these women had their clitoris entirely removed, along with other external genitalia.
A public consultation is planned for this month to gather perspectives on the practice before parliament holds a final vote on Gibba’s bill. The most recent government health survey, conducted between 2019 and 2020, found that a significant portion of the population – 46% of circumcised women and 40% of men – believe FGM should be discontinued.
Global Concerns About Reversal and Pro-FGM Movement
The international community is closely watching Gambia’s potential reversal of its FGM ban. Experts fear it could embolden a nascent pro-FGM movement in Africa that argues for self-determination and the right to choose.
“We’re seeing a growing number of arguments justifying adult women’s consent, using the language of human rights and bodily autonomy,” said Caroline Lagat of Equality Now, an advocacy group. However, Lagat emphasizes that in Gambia, most girls are subjected to FGM before the age of five.
Globally, over 70 countries have outlawed FGM, with at least 35 located in sub-Saharan Africa. Advocacy groups acknowledge that these laws are often not strictly enforced, but they remain a crucial tool in the fight against FGM.
Possible Path Forward
The controversy surrounding Gibba’s bill underscores the complex challenges in eradicating FGM. Continued education and dialogue are essential to address cultural beliefs and empower communities to abandon this harmful practice.
While the outcome of the vote remains uncertain, there is a glimmer of hope. The growing opposition to FGM within the Gambia, reflected in the recent survey results, suggests a potential shift in public opinion. This, coupled with international pressure, could ultimately lead to the preservation of the anti-FGM law.
Source: Reuters
