By Fatoumatta J Camara
In a significant step towards eradicating FGM/C, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the leadership of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV) recently launched a groundbreaking social media campaign.
This initiative aims to amplify efforts to end FGM/C, aligning with the nation’s development agenda.
Mr. Fallou Sowe, National Coordinator of NGBV, during the meeting states that FGM/C is a harmful practice that violates the human rights and undermines the health and well-being of girls and women.
“Evidence from researches conducted in the Gambia and other parts of the world have shown that the practice violates women and girl’s sexual reproductive health and rights including right to choose and dignity,” he said.
He highlighted the risks associated with the practice of FGM/C.
“The immediate risks when someone undergoes FGM/C include severe pain, bleeding, infections, and even death, while long term complications include chronic pain,urinary problems, sexual dysfunction, obstetric (Labour) complications and psychological trauma,” he stated.
A report presented at the gathering revealed that the most common type of FGM/C in the Gambia was type 2(some flesh removed), with 73% of circumcision women undergoing this procedure, and 17% of women underwent type 3 procedure (or sealing). Only 1% of women underwent type 1 procedure (clitoris nicked). Therefore the study confirmed that 90% of our women and girls who underwent FGM/C have been subjected to type 2 and 3 which haveserious health consequences on them.
Mr Sowe added that this evidence informed the decision to launch the social media campaign for young people to protect current girls who are yet to be subjected to this harmful practices and future girls and women.
The meeting was attended by government officials, UN Agencies and civil society organization representatives and was held at the Action Aid Conference hall on Thursday, 30th May2024.
