Gambian women are rallying to uphold the country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) amidst increasing pressure to reverse the law. This fight to protect women’s rights and bodily autonomy highlights ongoing challenges in eradicating FGM, a deeply rooted cultural practice.
The ban, implemented in 2015, was hailed as a significant victory for women’s rights activists in Gambia. However, recent political shifts and calls from some community leaders to lift the ban have sparked concerns about a potential rollback of these hard-won protections. The country’s new government, under President Adama Barrow, has not made a clear commitment to maintaining the ban, creating uncertainty and fear among activists.
Fatoumatta Bah, a prominent women’s rights advocate, expressed her determination to keep the ban in place. “We cannot afford to go backwards. FGM is a violation of human rights and has severe health consequences for women and girls. Our fight is far from over,” Bah stated.
FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia and has no medical benefits. It is recognized internationally as a human rights violation, causing severe physical and psychological harm. Despite the ban, FGM remains prevalent in Gambia, with an estimated 75% of women having undergone the procedure, according to a 2019 United Nations report.
Activists argue that upholding the ban is crucial for protecting future generations of girls from this harmful practice. They are working tirelessly to raise awareness and educate communities about the dangers of FGM. “Education and community engagement are key to changing mindsets. We must empower women and girls with knowledge and support,” said Jaha Dukureh, a survivor of FGM and founder of Safe Hands for Girls, an organization dedicated to ending FGM.
The push to reverse the ban has been met with significant opposition from women’s rights groups both locally and internationally. The United Nations and other global organizations have also voiced their support for maintaining the ban. “FGM is a grave violation of human rights. We stand with Gambian women in their efforts to uphold the ban and protect their rights,” stated UN Women in a recent press release.
Despite the challenges, there is hope that sustained advocacy and international support will help preserve the ban. Activists are calling on the Gambian government to reaffirm its commitment to ending FGM and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms. They are also urging for increased resources to support education and outreach programs that can help shift cultural perceptions and reduce the practice.
Community leaders who support the ban are also playing a crucial role in the fight against FGM. Imam Lamin Touray, a respected religious leader, has been vocal about the need to protect women and girls from FGM. “Our religion does not support this harmful practice. We must safeguard the health and rights of our daughters,” Touray emphasized.
The battle to uphold the FGM ban in Gambia is a testament to the resilience and strength of women’s rights activists. Their unwavering dedication to protecting girls from harm and advocating for their rights is inspiring change in communities across the country. As the world watches, the hope is that Gambia will continue to move forward, safeguarding the health and rights of its women and girls.
Source: apnews.com
