Compilation by Sahar Yaghoubi
Gambian women are facing a pivotal moment in their fight against female genital mutilation as lawmakers debate repealing the practice’s ban. Overturning the 2015 legislation would undo years of advocacy work by local activists and undermine international agreements Gambia has signed protecting women’s rights.
While some argue FGM is culturally or religiously mandated, in reality it stems from patriarchal norms seeking to control female sexuality. No religion actually requires the procedure. Significant health risks make subjecting children to it a violation of basic human rights.
Fatou and Sarata’s stories illustrate the personal toll all too common among Gambian women. Both endured tremendous physical suffering during circumcision as children and later due to FGM’s lifelong impacts. The procedure’s effects followed them into adulthood, compromising their marriages, sexuality and childbearing experiences.
Sarata now raises her daughters alone after also losing her supportive husband. Their resilience in advocating against repeating this cycle of pain, despite facing adversity, exemplifies the strength of Gambia’s movement.
International bodies like Amnesty International and UNICEF warn repealing the ban would regress protections and damage Gambia’s reputation. Legalizing a harmful practice violates the country’s constitution and international treaties. Enforcing the current law and following through on prosecutions is critical to deter future violations.
While some religious figures argue FGM reflects cultural or Islamic tradition, most locals oppose it according to surveys. Any true tradition should uphold human dignity and wellbeing rather than cause demonstrable harm. Reformers seek culturally-sensitive community empowerment over top-down crackdowns to shift social norms.
To maintain progress, Gambia must address root drivers through comprehensive women’s empowerment programs. This includes culturally-aware education, economic opportunities, and strengthening women’s voices in society and politics. Banning FGM established an important legal foundation, but upholding it requires combining enforcement with addressing underlying inequalities.
Overall, Gambian women and their allies are fighting to safeguard hard-won gains and shape the country’s future. How parliamenthandles this crucial debate will demonstrate its commitment to human rights principles and the health, wellbeing and empowerment of half the population. The world watches this legislative battle closely as a litmus test of democracy and justice in Gambia.
