By: Bakary Jassey
FGM activists have expressed their satisfaction with the enactment of the Women’s Amendment Act 2015 and the recent reaffirmation of the law by Parliament who rejected a Bill that aimed to decriminalize FGM in The Gambia. However, they have expressed concerned about the weak enforcement of the law banning FGM.
Fallu Sowe, National Coordinator of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV), stated: “FGM is politicized in The Gambia, making it challenging for many political leaders to support the enforcement of the law.”
But Mr. Sowe expresses optimism that more people will begin to abandon the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). He stated:
“The fact that today we have many parents from practicing cultures who have vowed to protect their daughters from FGM is a significant success. The continuous decline in the prevalence rate, especially among young girls aged 0-14 years, is an achievement we can all celebrate. Additionally, through our young couples’ forum, we have seen several couples commit to not subjecting their daughters to FGM. However, the challenge remains…”
Pointing out to effective strategies to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Mr. Sowe highlighted several key approaches that have shown significant promise. He stated, “Behavioral change models employed by various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the empowerment of survivors to share their stories, and media campaigns aimed at shaping the narrative are all crucial components of our efforts.”
Mr. Sowe emphasized the importance of evidence-based advocacy, which leverages research findings and the expertise of healthcare workers. He also pointed out the vital role of religious leaders in dispelling misconceptions and misinformation surrounding FGM.
“By engaging religious leaders, we can demystify harmful beliefs and promote a more informed understanding of the issue,” he noted.
The NGBV Country Coordinator spoke about the effectiveness of young couples’ forums and youth engagement initiatives in re-writing the narrative around FGM.
“These strategies not only empower individuals but also foster community dialogue and support for change,” he noted.
Through these multifaceted approaches, Mr. Sowe believes that progress can be made in the fight against FGM, ultimately leading to a more informed and supportive society.
Describing their work as an activist combating female genital mutilation (FGM), he emphasized the importance of engaging communities with sensitivity and respect for their cultural and social norms.
“We strive to communicate in a way that is non-offensive, using friendly language and behavioral change methods. Additionally, we ensure that the health effects and legal implications of FGM are central to our discussions, all while maintaining respect for the community’s values. This approach helps us effectively convey our messages about the dangers of FGM.”
Mr. Sowe highlighted several challenges in the fight against FGM in The Gambia. These include weak enforcement of existing laws, religious misconceptions, and widespread misinformation and disinformation about the practice. He emphasized that sustaining funding for advocacy efforts is crucial, as changing deeply rooted cultural practices like FGM is both expensive and time-consuming, requiring significant resources.
Additionally, Mr. Sowe mentioned that research has been conducted on FGM in The Gambia and encouraged individuals to reach out to National Gender Based Violence NGBV for access to these studies.
He said: “Is essential for individuals to know that there are reporting mechanisms available for cases of gender-based violence and child abuse, including FGM. Helplines 199 and 1313 are available for anyone who wishes to report such cases confidentially” he concluded.
Tabou Njie Sarr, the Country Representative of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in The Gambia, callsfor the enforcement of the law banning FGM.
“FGM is already prohibited by law, so it is crucial that this law is enforced,” she stated.
She emphasized that further sensitization efforts are necessary to educate the public about the harmful effects of FGM.
“Information is incredibly powerful, and the ongoing discussions about FGM over the years have helped many people understand its negative impacts.”
Advocating against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia has become significantly easier compared to the past, according to Mrs Njie Sarr.
“The environment is now more moderate; people are willing to listen, even if they don’t necessarily agree with you. The topic of FGM can now be openly discussed, which was not the case before.”
Reflecting on her experiences, the West Minister Foundation For Democracy Country Representative recalled the early days of the fight against FGM.
“I remember the initial stage in the struggle against FGM when we faced hostility. During the 2009 Zero Tolerance Day, we were stoned in Brikama while I was with GAMCOTRAP. There were times when we had to hide, and in some communities, we were outrightly rejected.”
Despite the challenges, Sarr remains optimistic about the progress being made in the fight against FGM in The Gambia.
In August 2023, the Magistrates Court in the Central River region North made a historic ruling by convicting three women for performing FGM on eight adolescent girls. This landmark judgment marked the first conviction of its kind since the Gambia enacted a law banning FGM in 2015.
A prompt response from some religious leaders and selectedmembers of parliament when to parliament to decriminalize the ban, prompting a public outcry both at home and abroad who express shock in the attempts to remove the law protecting women and girls from the harmful traditional practice.
Their proposal sought to introduce a provision allowing for ‘consent’ in cases of FGM, raising significant concerns among women’s rights advocates and activists.
The move ignited heated discussions and debate about the protection of women and girls.
On July 15, 2024, the Gambian Parliament decisively rejected the infamous Bill, reaffirming the Gambia’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and combating the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Sarr expressed her delight that the law banning FGM was challenged but ultimately upheld by Parliament.
“The law was challenged, but it was upheld by Parliament. That was a significant success in the fight against FGM,” she stated.
The Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015, which criminalizes and sets out penalties for performing, aiding and abetting the practice of FGM, represented a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to safeguard girls’ and women’s rights in the Gambia.