By Binta Jaiteh
Dozens of the National Assembly members have described the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Gender on the women’s amendment bill as scanty and biased.
Members expressed disappointment during the debate on the bill yesterday at the Parliament.
“I am sorry to inform this assembly that the joint committee has betrayed the trust of the Muslims and the Gambians at large,” said a member for Foni Kansala, Hon Almamy Gibba.
He noted that as per the consultation done by the committee, they have seen bias as the report failed to reflect the aspirations of the citizens.
“Going through the report the chairperson of the committee keeps emphasizing FGM and that is not my bill. The act that we are working to repeal says prohibition of female circumcision. “We don’t want betrayal from the joint committee adding that they are here to corner the wrongs” he argued.
Hon Gibba told the committee to be brave enough to speak the truth, the length and breadth of this country from Banjul to Koina is left in the dark.
“Are we really serious as a nation,” he questioned.
He explained that 75 to 80% are practicing this act. “We are ready to stand firm and defend in a gorilla war if they want to jail my mother, and sister for practicing their religion.”
He alleged that the report is anchored on Western donors.
Member for Kiang West Constituency, Hon Lamin Ceesay challenged the committee to provide the assembly with evidence of FGM/C death. He said the report of the committee lacks insufficient information regarding the bill.
“We are talking about data that can be tested and proven in the world, you cannot fool anyone”, he added
Member for Foni Brefet, Hon Amie Colley accused the committee of failing to consult constituencies. “ I am not happy with the report despite being a member of the committee.
She said most of the stakeholders complained that circumcised women don’t enjoy sex and that story is unfounded. How can they have children if they don’t have feelings during sex?
Member for Lower Fulladu West, Hon Gibbi Mballow differed in opinion stating that women of this country deserve better and this report came to rescue them.
“We cannot hide behind Islam to inflict pain on our girls”, Mballow asserted.