By Mustapha Jallow
Officials of the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP and stakeholders) commenced discussion on Thursday on the practical implementation of the FGM law, which is now facing a repeal threat by some religious leaders and members of the National Assemble. The long-day policy dialogue further focused on enabling the stakeholders to chant the importance of upholding the Anti-FGM Law to protect the girl child. It is also part of the group’s strategic priorities to ensure those cutting the girls are punished.
The consultative session held at a local hotel in Kololi, brought together Diplomats at the UN and EU, Representatives of Human rights organizations (HROs), Government Officials, Lawyers, National Assemble Members (NAMs), Chiefs, Council of Elders, Ex-Circumcisers and Members of the Civil Society Organisation (CSOs).
Supported by Equality Now, this initiative, according to the organizers, is in response to recent attempts by some members of the National Assembly to repeal the Law banning FGM, particularly in light of a recent court ruling that found two women and the circumciser guilty of breaking the Law and convicted them accordingly.
A few months ago, removing the FGM law remained a hotcake in the country. It has brought so much chaos among politicians, religious leaders, advocacy groups, and other NGOs, who fought through words about the practice. However, GAMCORAP and its key partners said they still stand to ensure the Law protects children from these harmful practices and all forms of violence against their women and girls. But the battle continues.
Dr. Isatou Touray, the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP, said the Law banning FGM stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a future where every girl child can grow up free from the shadows of fear and pain
She added it represents not just legislation but a pledge to safeguard the innocence and dreams of our daughters. Upholding this Law, she said, is their collective promise to the girl child, an affirmation that her rights are non-negotiable, her dignity inviolable, and her future limitless. “Yet, we are acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Tradition, deeply ingrained in the social fabric, often resists change. Overcoming these entrenched beliefs requires legal measures and a comprehensive societal transformation. It demands open dialogue, education, and compassion,” Dr Touray said.
She stated, “We must engage in a multi-faceted approach to succeed. Formal and informal education is our most important vehicle for behavioral change and development. We must educate parents, community leaders, and young people about the physical and psychological ramifications of FGM. This has happened over the years, resulting in the population’s call to enact a law. Knowledge is our weapon in dispelling myths and fostering understanding. It is the power of knowledge that brought about the Law. This occasion is about upholding the Law to protect the girl child from FGM.” “We must encourage using their platforms to challenge harmful practices and advocate for the wellbeing of our girls. All of us have a role to play in this enlightenment process. Together, we can amplify our voices and efforts, ensuring that the message of empowerment and protection reaches every corner of our nation, reaching out to various target groups and offering them pathways to healing and advocacy for victims while we ensure that never again any girl-child will be cut,” the advocacy leader told the gathering.
Dr. Touray went further to thank all their partners for the great efforts made to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, girls, and People with Disabilities. Her special appreciation, she added, goes to Equality Now for funding the event, and she hopes that resources will be made available to women’s rights organizations to continue the work.
Speaking on behalf of the health minister, Musa Camara – the regional health director, called for the protection and nurturing of the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls for improved health and wellbeing.
He outlined the health effects of FGM, including but not limited to the following: it has no health benefits for women and girls, loss of blood due to severe bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, infections (contaminated instruments) used by practitioners, complications during childbirth with increased tendencies of new-born deaths.
“The above health risks of FGM and many others not mentioned have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of women and girls, thereby leading to low productivity and consequently impact negatively on the already stretched economy,” Camara warned.
Neneh Touray, deputy director for the Directorate of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, also spoke on behalf of the minister for women and said it is vital to mobilize communities, mainly where FGM is highly prevalent, and leverage participatory governance structures to adopt and implement by-laws.
Representing GAMCOTRAP Chair Ousman Touray, a board member, even though FGM has been a deeply rooted tradition, but non-religious, said they gathered this dialogue to reaffirm their commitment to protect girls and ensure their safety, health, and dignity.
“The FGM law in The Gambia represents a significant milestone, reflecting our collective determination to end this harmful practice. Therefore, upholding this Law is not merely a legal obligation and a moral imperative, but rather recognizing the fundamental human rights of our children, allowing them to grow up free from the physical and emotional scars of FGM,” said Touray.
