The executive members of the Njaboute Foundation over the weekend held a two day sensitization for the community of Busumbala and Old Yundum on Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C).
The ceremony held at Old Yundum Lower Basic School in West Coast Region brought together over 50 participants.The event was sponsored by MMK Gambia Finland Friendship Foundation.
The objective of the sensitization was to sensitize communities members on the complications and legal implications of FGM/C.
Njaboute Foundation is involved in series of communities’ sensitizations such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Epidemics like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis through Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) in order to curb the disease burden as well as to empower youths with the required knowledge on SRHR.
Ebrima Bah, president of the Foundation said, the foundation came to address health issues in the Gambia, in other to complement Government effort and support the poor people by addressing one or two things in the communities.
He said FGMC is a deeply rooted cultural practice which is often confused to religion and has no health benefits but rather causes complications to the life of the woman.
He called on Gambian to join hands to fight against the FGM and advisedly parents to desist from the practice
The administrator, Isatou Bobo Jallow also challenge parents to do away with the practice as it has no benefit but rather results to pain and suffering. She however stated that FGM/C causes profuse bleeding during labour which leads to hypovolemic shock, severe anaemia and even death if prompt, efficient and effective emergency care is not instituted.
The legal officer of the foundation Anna Mendy, informed the gathering that FGM/C is a criminal offense under the laws of the Gambia. She cited various sections of women’s act to back her argument.
She further stated that anyone found guilty is liable to a mandatory jail term of three years of prison, a fine of fifty thousand dalasi or both. She encourages participants to desist from the practices and report any case if suspected or witnessed any within the community and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Nena, said FGMC is very dangerous as it can lead to children absentice from school when they are taking under the process.
She assured Njaboute Foundation of their continue support in enlighten the school parents, communities and teachers more about the completion of FGMC