By Omar Bah
Senior officials from the United Nations and the World Health Organization have praised The Gambia for upholding its ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as a significant victory for women’s and girls’ rights.
Recently, lawmakers in The Gambia voted to uphold a 2015 law that prohibits the harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which involves cutting or removing some or all of the external female genitalia. This practice, typically inflicted on infants and young girls, can cause severe immediate and long-term physical and psychological harm, including infection, childbirth complications, and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to medical experts.
The UN officials released a joint statement expressing their endorsement of The Gambia’s decision to uphold the ban on FGM. They emphasized the country’s dedication to human rights, gender equality, and the well-being of girls and women. Additionally, they reiterated their commitment to supporting The Gambia’s government, civil society, and communities in their efforts to combat FGM.
The authorities praised the unwavering dedication of survivors, activists, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups in their efforts to eradicate FGM. They emphasized that maintaining the ban is vital to bolster these grassroots movements and is crucial for putting an end to all types of violence against girls and women.
It emphasized how precarious the progress in eradicating FGM is, pointing out the obstacles to women’s and girls’ rights in different countries worldwide. The authorities stressed that although legal prohibitions are essential, they are not sufficient to end FGM. Over 73% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in The Gambia have been subjected to the practice, with many undergoing it before the age of five.
The authorities highlighted the importance of continuous advocacy to promote gender equality and eradicate violence against girls and women. They also stressed the significance of collaborating with communities, grassroots organizations, and traditional, political, and religious leaders. Furthermore, they emphasized the need to train health workers and effectively raise awareness about the detrimental effects of FGM. Additionally, they underlined the urgency of providing support to survivors, recognizing that many require comprehensive medical and psychological care to address the lasting impact of the procedure.
