Gambia’s lawmakers have rejected a bill aimed at reversing the ban on female genital cutting (FGM), a decision welcomed by activists concerned about the health and rights of women and girls. This outcome followed months of intense debate reflecting changing public attitudes against a practice affecting over half of women aged 15 to 49 in the country. Activists continue to stress the need for commitment to enforce existing laws and protect against FGM.
Lawmakers in Gambia rejected a bill that sought to overturn the ban on female genital cutting, maintaining the country’s prohibition against the practice. This legislative decision, closely monitored by international activists, culminated after months of intense discussions in a nation with a predominantly Muslim population of under 3 million. There was no final vote as all clauses of the bill were dismissed.
Female genital cutting, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), involves the partial or full removal of external female genitalia, typically conducted by untrained local practitioners using rudimentary tools. This procedure poses severe health risks, including excessive bleeding, complications during childbirth, and potential death, yet it remains prevalent in various African regions.
Activists and human rights advocates expressed deep concerns that reversing the ban would undermine progress against this harmful tradition, which disproportionately affects girls often under five years old due to societal beliefs surrounding sexual purity. Opponents of the ban, including religious conservatives, argued that the practice is aligned with Islamic virtues.
Despite an initial vote that indicated support for the bill in March, public sentiment shifted as healthcare professionals and religious leaders testified about the dangers of the practice. Activists like Absa Samba felt a significant relief after the rejection, viewing it as a critical step forward while acknowledging ongoing advocacy is essential.
Another activist, Fatou Baldeh, voiced frustration about the drawn-out discussion surrounding the bill, emphasizing the continued prevalence of female genital cutting in the country despite legal prohibitions. She highlighted that enforcement remains weak, underlining the need for genuine commitment to protecting girls from this harmful practice.
In Gambia, it is estimated that more than half of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have undergone FGM, as indicated by U.N. statistics. The former president had banned the practice in 2015, but implementation has lagged; a significant legal development occurred last year with the first prosecutions against those involved in the practice.
Globally, UNICEF reports that approximately 30 million women have faced female genital cutting in recent years, with the majority from African nations. Currently, more than 80 countries have legal provisions against such acts, supported by various international organizations, reinforcing the necessity of continued advocacy against FGM.
The U.N. Population Fund emphasizes that no religious scripture justifies FGM, stressing its lack of medical benefits and long-term health repercussions, including urinary problems, psychological effects, and complications in childbirth.
The rejection of the bill to overturn the ban on female genital cutting in Gambia illustrates the success of advocacy efforts against this harmful practice. Despite historical challenges, the decision supports ongoing work toward protecting women’s rights and health. With legal frameworks in place and active communities working for change, there is hope for the future well-being of girls in Gambia and beyond.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
