https://fatunetwork.net/from-90-to-73-gambias-slow-battle-against-female-genital-mutilation-reveals-persistent-challenges/
The Gambian Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare’s recent statement on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) highlights a concerning reality: despite over a decade of concentrated efforts, progress in eliminating the practice remains gradual. While any reduction is significant, the statistics reveal a stubborn persistence of this harmful tradition.
“We have registered a reduction of the FGM prevalence rate from 90% in 2009 to 76% in 2013 and further reduction to 73% currently,” the Minister reported, revealing that nearly three-quarters of the female population still faces this human rights violation. This represents just a 17% decrease over a 15-year period, averaging roughly 1% per year.

Despite the implementation of the Women’s Amendment Act in 2015, which explicitly criminalizes FGM, the practice continues to maintain a strong foothold in Gambian society. The Minister acknowledged ongoing resistance to change, noting that “We are happy that this law is maintained despite attempts for a pushback in 2023 and 2024,” suggesting active opposition to anti-FGM legislation.

The Minister emphasized that FGM remains “one of the most extreme violations of the rights of women and girls,” causing “lifelong physical, psychological, and emotional suffering.” Yet, deeply rooted cultural practices continue to challenge elimination efforts, particularly at the community level where the Minister admits “the real change happens.”

While the government celebrates the engagement of youth in anti-FGM advocacy and continues its community outreach programs, the slow rate of decline raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies. The country’s commitment to eliminating FGM by 2030, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals, appears increasingly ambitious given the current pace of change.
The Minister’s call for “collective efforts of all, with the active participation of communities, religious leaders, traditional leaders, teachers, health workers, and families” underscores the complexity of the challenge. However, with only a 3% reduction between 2013 and 2025, the battle against FGM in The Gambia appears to be facing significant cultural and social barriers that existing approaches have yet to effectively address.

Despite these challenges, the government maintains its commitment to elimination efforts, with the Minister asserting, “We have come a long way and will never relent, but rather we will consolidate on the gains registered and scale up our efforts.” However, the data suggests that without significant changes to current strategies, The Gambia’s goal of zero tolerance for FGM may remain elusive for generations to come.

Wassu Gambia Kafo successfully completed a three days (3) training of Health Students of SRN-Banjul on Female Genital Mutilation. The training was captivating and resourceful and provided adequate knowledge to students on FGM for their future careers. #unite2endfgm

https://standard.gm/network-holds-retreat-to-combat-fgm/
The Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV) in collaboration with UNFPA on Wednesday organised a two-day retreat for civil society organisations, aimed at developing a five-year strategy to enhance advocacy efforts and combat female genital mutilation in The Gambia.

Held at Dunas Boutique Hotel in Kotu, the event brought together key stakeholders to address this pressing issue.
The retreat served as a platform for CSOs, policymakers, activists, and other partners to collaborate on creating a comprehensive roadmap that tackles the cultural, social, and legal aspects of FGM. Through intensive discussions and planning, participants explored innovative ways to strengthen advocacy efforts. and ensure long-term progress in the fight against FGM.

The retreat focused on crafting a strategic framework that aligns with both national and international goals for gender equality and human rights.
The key objectives of the retreat are to strengthen civil society intervention against harmful traditional practices in The Gambia with a specific focus on FGM/C and also to increase the knowledge of civil society organisations and networks on various forms of FGM and impacts on the survivors.
Fallu Sowe, national coordinator of NGBV, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He said 2024 was a challenging year for the network as it has to deal with difficult task of ensuring that the law banning FGM in The Gambia is maintained. “But the struggle continues because, as we speak, our opponents are at the supreme court trying to overturn our achievement to ensure that the law is declared unconstitutional,” he said.

Sow disclosed that the government has started the process of developing a national strategy plan to combat FGM.

“That strategy is going to serve as a stepping stone, and we will endeavour to ensure that whatever strategy is going to be prepared by civil society aligns with the government’s strategy,” he said.

Dr Ipoade Omilaju, the Gender Promoting Initiative (GPI) project head, expressed his office’s commitment to working closely with other projects to combat FGM. He said About 230 million women and girls are affected by FGM globally.

“Africa alone contributes 62% of this population.”

https://www.voicegambia.com/2024/12/13/futile-dreams-how-fgm-impeded-girls-education-in-the-gambia/

Education is a priority for many girls but the majority of them in one way or another end up becoming victims of so many societal issues, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). 

Mama Fatty (not her real name) is a living testament to a failed education due to FGM. Speaking to this medium, Mama said her grandmother was among the women who influenced her family and others to circumcise their children. She said her mother is an anti-FGM supporter and always tried to protect her girls. But her grandmother has other plans in mind.

“My younger sister and I were under the protection of my mother until she traveled to the United Kingdom. One month of her stay in the UK, my grandmother took us to the circumciser and we were circumcised,” she said as tears started to roll down her cheeks.

 “This happened during my grade four third term examinations, and because of this, I could not continue the examination. The following academic year, I was advised to repeat grade four. It was difficult for me, especially seeing my peers in the next class ahead of me. Although I coped and went back to grade four, months later, I started having pain in my vulva and missing classes whenever the pain started. Gradually I realized that my days in school were minimal and my grandmother told me to stay home until I got healed to go back to school.  This marked the end of my educational career.”

Mama’s predicament isn’t unique. Another survivor, Fatou Danso (not her real name), said her memories of FGM are still vivid as the challenges she grappled with after undergoing the practice forced her to quit school.  

“I was circumcised at the age of 11, and this was after a heated push and pull between my father and my grandparents. My father’s culture firmly believes in female circumcision but with resistance from my grandparents on my mother’s side, they could not go ahead with the practice. This was the case until my grandfather passed away, and this topic was raised again. This time, they succeeded. I was in grade 5 then, and this experience changed my life. I could not tell any of my friends about what happened to me as it seemed strange and embarrassing to explain.

“I grew from a bold and sharp pupil to a quiet and timid girl. My grades dropped, and my mom was worried but there was nothing she could do. I stayed home for months and did not feel the same anymore because I was traumatized and always lost concentration during classes. So, my mother took me to the village for treatment and I never returned home to continue my schooling.”

Low sensitization as an issue

The National Coordinator of the Network against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV), Fallu Sowe, pointed out that FGM affects the reproductive health of the girl-child particularly type II and III which are more prevalent in The Gambia. This, he said, can make adolescent girls miss classes due to reproductive health problems.

“The level of sensitization on the impact of FGM on the education of girls is very low because many people don’t even know that there is a relation between the effects of FGM and the education of girls,” he said.

Activist Sowe disclosed that many survivors of FGM were seriously re-traumatized by FGM discussion before the ban was maintained which could have a psychological impact on them. In turn, he said this can affect their level of attention in class during lessons.

But that’s not the only issue. The Gambian rights activist said girls from non-practicing cultures may be affected because their peers and teachers from practicing cultures may be calling them names like “Solima”—a Mandinka word used against an uncircumcised person.

“This is insulting to them and can prevent some girls from going to school to avoid the embarrassment and bullying by their peers,” he explained. 

Teachers’ observations   

Matis Bass, a teacher with over a decade of experience, said throughout his experience in the field of teaching, FGM has caused a lot of havoc on female students.

“FGM causes frequent absenteeism which can lead to poor performance of the child because if you don’t attend school regularly it will affect your classes and when exams come your performance will be affected.

“It also causes school dropouts due to lack of concentration, pain, and poor performance. They also lack self-esteem because they are always silent even when speaking on other subject matters. So it’s like when they are cut, it reduces them to nothing,” he said.

Another teacher, Isatou DH Camara, added that FGM can hinder and even end school-going girls’ education due to the snags suffered by girls following the practice. She said these snags include health issues they face during the process of cutting such as pain and distress they encounter throughout the process.

“Students that undergo this practice can miss school for a couple of months (3 to 4 months) for complete healing to take place. In my experience of being a teacher, there were several cases I encountered where those students missed schools for 3 months due to FGM,” she said.

According to the Orchid Project report titled Intersection Between Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and Education published in July 2021, FGC often acts as a barrier to girls’ education, particularly when it serves as a precursor for child marriage and it can also lead to school dropouts because of health consequences and prolonged absences related to cutting.

“At the same time, education is often considered key to helping girls escape FGC and as a basis for a successful strategy for communities to abandon the practice. The limited evidence on the intersection between education and female genital cutting, however, points to the need for more research and investigation to better understand the linkages,” the report added.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that over 230 million women and girls around the world are victims of FGM, of which 144 million victims live in Africa. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations, have urged countries to end FGM practices for the last two decades.

According to a recent survey (name of the survey), 73% of women in The Gambia have undergone FGM with 65% of those being under the age of five. The practice is usually conducted by older women in society. 

Conflict with national and international laws

Human Rights Lawyer, Anna Njie, said FGM-related health and psychological issues can lead to school absenteeism and hinder educational performance. She said this is in conflict with The Education Act 2004 and Article 10 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which promotes equal access to education for all girls.

 “The trauma and health complications from FGM can impact a girl’s ability to concentrate and succeed in school, thereby impeding the fulfillment of educational rights as outlined in national and international laws,” she said.

According to her, FGM is addressed under The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, the Women’s Act 2010 (as amended in 2015), and international conventions such as the Maputo Protocol (Article 5) and CEDAW (Article 2), which criminalize harmful practices and ensure protection against violations.

“The prohibition of degrading treatment is enshrined in Section 21 of The Gambia’s Constitution and Article 4 of the Maputo Protocol, which aligns with the global standard for respecting human dignity. The Women’s Act 2010, along with the Maputo Protocol (Article 5) and CEDAW provide legal frameworks for accountability and justice for victims of FGM,” she said.  

The rights lawyer said the Women’s Act 2010 and related laws including the Maputo Protocol (Article 5) and CEDAW (Article 2) should be among the measures put in place to ensure women and girls are fully protected, especially school-going girls.

She also clamored for the development and implementation of educational campaigns to raise awareness about FGM and its legal consequences, in line with the Gender and Women’s Empowerment Policy and international standards.

“Provide comprehensive support services for FGM survivors, including healthcare and psychological support, as advocated by the Public Health Act and Article 14 of the Maputo Protocol.

“Integrate FGM prevention and response strategies into school policies and curricula, ensuring safe environments for affected students and adhering to the principles outlined in CEDAW (Article 10).

“Equip law enforcement and judicial personnel with training to handle FGM cases effectively, respecting legal standards set by national laws and international conventions,” she pointed out.

https://www.voicegambia.com/2025/01/07/taba-addiction-and-its-dangers-among-gambian-women-and-girls/

“Taba,” the Mandinka term for tobacco, refers to a locally made tobacco substance that was commonly used by older generations in The Gambia well before independence. This practice, which was often adopted by individuals seeking energy boosts or stress relief, has taken a troubling turn in recent years. Today, a mixture of various substances under the same name is being used predominantly by women and girls, and shockingly, it is applied through their genitals for a range of purposes.

Sold discreetly at local markets and within communities, the substance is usually wrapped in small plastic knot-packs. Women have coined it “Musul la boro” in Mandinka and “Garab jigeen” in Wolof, both meaning “medicine for women.” However, this so-called medicine is having alarming health consequences, with experts raising concerns about its dangerous effects. Addiction to Taba among Gambian women is reportedly on the rise, based on anecdotal evidence.

Due to the sensitive nature of the issue, and at the request of some sources, their real names will be withheld.
Long-Distance Marriage: A Path to Taba Use
Fatima, 35, married in her final year of high school to a husband who soon left The Gambia for Europe via the irregular back-way migration. Over eight years later, her husband still hasn’t been able to visit due to lack of documentation. This separation led Fatima to begin using Taba, which ultimately caused her to develop pelvic inflammatory disease.

“One day, on my way to the market, a neighborhood friend told me about Taba. I tried it, and the first time, I thought I was going to die—I felt dizzy, constantly vomited, and had diarrhea,” Fatima explained. After that first bad experience, she stopped for a while but later resumed using it and became addicted.

“Once you get used to it, you stop worrying about your man. You don’t care whether he’s there or not. Now, I regret it. I’m on continuous medication to treat myself before my husband returns. The treatment is helping, but I don’t feel the same anymore,” she said.

Divorce Caused by Taba Addiction

Isatou had waited for years for a suitor, but no one asked for her hand in marriage. A friend suggested that Taba would help her lose interest in married men. Unfortunately, her first experience was disastrous.

“The first time I used it, I became unconscious. After I recovered, I used it again. Recently, I got married, but I can’t stop. Every time I use it, I feel repulsed by my husband’s touch. When he tries to be intimate, it doesn’t work, and we argue—leading to our divorce,” she shared.

From Medical Remedy to Pleasure

Awa’s experience with Taba began when it was introduced to her as a cure for infections. However, over time, she realized that it did not heal her, and the pleasure it brought kept her hooked.

“It causes bruising, intense itching, and even prevents me from urinating. Sometimes I bleed, but that doesn’t stop me from using it,” Awa explained. “It has become an addiction. I used to apply it only at night when my husband was away, but now I use it more than twice a day.”

Despite its small size and low cost—D10—Awa noted that the more one uses it, the more it drains her financially.

The Booming Business of Taba

Fanta, a seasoned Taba vendor, proudly speaks of her thriving business, narrating “I sell two types of Taba—one for snuff and the intra-vaginal variety. I keep the intra-vaginal Taba hidden, but customers know where to find me,” she said. “On a busy day, I can sell between 2,000 to 3,000 dalasis, with some customers buying up to D500 worth.”

She declared that the intra-vaginal Taba is stored in a plastic bottle, carefully kept away from the wind to prevent it from drying out, as it would lose its potency. Some customers even buy it to resell in Europe.

Kumba, another dealer, explained that the wholesale price is D500 for a full black plastic bag, and she sells individual packs for D10 to D15. She dismissed concerns about its harmful effects, saying, “People say it’s bad, but I see nothing wrong with it. The first time is tough, but once you get used to it, it makes you feel good.”

Kumba admits she doesn’t know the exact chemicals used in Taba, but she believes they don’t cause harm.

The Health Risks of Taba

Gambian gynecologist Dr. Musa Marena, Head of Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health at the Ministry of Health, provided a grim assessment of Taba’s effects.

“Taba is a concoction that contains substances with aphrodisiac properties. It is used to treat sexual infections or dysfunctions, but the danger lies in the way it is absorbed by the body,” Dr. Marena explained. “It can cause chemical injury to the reproductive tract, increasing the risk of infections and complicating the healing process.”

Dr. Marena emphasized that Taba’s use can lead to severe reproductive consequences, including infertility, sexual dysfunction, and even deformity of the vagina. He also pointed out that it heightens the risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV and cervical cancer.

“Most women using Taba do so in secret. When we examine them, we often find signs of its use. The substances are usually sticky, powdery, and black,” he added. According to Dr. Marena, the most common users are women between the ages of 25 and 45.

The Need for Awareness and Legislation

Women’s rights activist and Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Tabu Njie Sarr, called for immediate action. She noted that the negative health impact of Taba is significant, with growing concerns about fertility issues among the younger generation.

“Taba has been around for generations, but its current use needs to be addressed as it is harming both individuals and the health system,” Sarr warned. She also expressed concern about its growing prevalence among schoolgirls, citing peer pressure and experimentation as factors driving usage.

“We need more data to create awareness and build capacity. Taba should be categorized alongside other harmful practices, with a concerted advocacy campaign to raise awareness,” she said.

Hon. Fatou Sanyang Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare

Gender Minister Fatou Kinteh stated that the advocacy against Taba use has been ongoing since 2020. Her ministry, in partnership with the Mothers Health Foundation (MOHF), has been working to raise awareness about its negative health impacts, including training female councilors on the issue.

“If Taba is banned, it will have a much greater impact and will be the only way we can truly succeed,” she emphasized. “But we need to collaborate with MOHF and the Ministry of Health to determine what can be done.”

Minister Kinteh expressed concerns about the lack of data on Taba usage, explaining that having such data would allow them to set measurable targets, similar to the approach taken with the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). “With FGM, we conducted studies to gather data and use it as a baseline to measure the impact of our advocacy efforts. But with Taba, the situation is different. We need a study to understand the extent of its use, so we can develop accurate data and set clear goals to address the issue,” she added.

While she urged women and girls to stop using Taba, Kintehlamented the troubling fact that young women are still engaging in its use. She called on them to stop considering the serious health consequences associated with it.

Fatmata Tambi of the Mothers Health Foundation (MOHF) explained that the modern version of Taba is a modified form of the substance once used by elders, containing ingredients such as cow dung, burnt tree ashes, and marijuana. She echoed Minister Kinteh’s call for further research to understand the chemical composition of the substance, revealing that their foundation is awaiting results from a study conducted by their research partners to investigate this.

“Taba should be included in tobacco regulations, with surveillance and legal action against violators,” Tambi recommended. “It’s also crucial for users, or former users, to schedule regular screenings to ensure they receive timely treatment and discontinue its use.”

The Islamic Perspective on Taba

Sheikh Ebrahim Jarju, Vice President of the Supreme Islamic Council, described Taba as “haram” (forbidden) in Islam. He explained that the use of Taba undermines the marital bond by diminishing the pleasure a woman should experience with her husband, which violates Islamic principles.

“If a woman uses Taba, she denies her husband the rights to the pleasure that should come from their union,” he said. He also warned that continued use of Taba could lead to infertility and ultimately harm the birth rate, which impacts future generations.

The Way Forward: Legislation and Education

In 2022, researchers from the University of The Gambia and the University of Ibadan in Nigeria conducted a study on genital tobacco powder use among Gambian women. The study found that women with lower education levels were more susceptible to using Taba, often encouraged by close friends and family.

According to the study’s authors, creating awareness is the most effective way to combat the practice. However, much remains to be done to address the growing problem and prevent further harm.

The government, civil society, and media must all unite in a proactive campaign to protect women and girls from the dangers of Taba.

Final Thoughts

The prevalence of Taba usage among Gambian women and girls is a growing public health crisis. While its addictive qualities and harmful effects are clear, the lack of concrete data and widespread awareness means the practice persists. It is crucial that more studies are conducted to understand the full impact of Taba and that laws are put in place to protect the health and well-being of women and girls in The Gambia.

https://foroyaa.net/supreme-court-hears-case-challenging-criminalisation-of-female-circumcision/

The five panel of judges of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has given time for people seeking the court to declare the criminalization of female circumcision unconstitutional.
Under the Gambian laws, the Supreme Court has the exclusive powers to interpret and enforce the Constitution.
Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala and seven others have filed a case before the Supreme Court seeking to decriminalise the practice of female circumcision. The case is against the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Honourable Almameh Gibba presented a Bill before the National Assembly on 4 March 2024 for the repeal of the law banning female circumcision in The Gambia. This practice is widely conducted for religious and cultural reasons which the National Assembly voted against on 15 July 2024 after the adoption of a report by the Health and Gender Committee. Now he is before the Supreme Court on the same mission, which is to decriminalise the practice of female circumcision.
The people and organisations that filed the case were: Almameh Gibba, Yassin Fatty, Nano Jawla, Kadijatou Jallow, Concerned Citizens, Islamic Enlightenment Society, Women’s Association for Islamic Solidarity and Gambian Women are Free to Choose. Yassin, Nano and Kadijatou are natives of Kuntaur in the Central River Region who the
Kaur Magistrate’s Court convicted for engaging in the act of female circumcision.
The applicants (Honourable Almameh Gibba and Others) want the Supreme Court to declare that the amendment of Section 32 of the Women’s Act of 2010 and the insertion of new Sections 32A and 32B in the Women’s (Amendment) Act in 2015 prohibiting the act of female circumcision contravenes the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia. The sections the said amendment violated according to Almameh Gibba and his colleagues were Sections 17 (1) and (2), 25 (1) (c), 28 (1) and (2), 32 and 33 (2) and (3) of the 1997 Constitution.

When the case was called, Almameh Gibba announced his presence and informed the court that he was ready to represent himself in the trial.
The other applicants who are: Yassin Fatty, Nano Jawla, Kadijatou Jallow, Concerned Citizens, Islamic Enlightenment Society, Women’s Association for Islamic Solidarity and Gambian Women are Free informed the court that they are working on getting the service of a lawyer.
The Supreme Court gave them time to find a lawyer because they had still not got a lawyer.
The case was adjourned to the next term of the Supreme Court hearing.
The Court informed them that they should use this period to secure the service of a lawyer.
They are asking the Supreme Court to declare that the amendment of Section 32 of the Women’s Act of 2010 and the insertion of new Sections 32A and 32B in the Women’s (Amendment) Act, which was Act Number 11 of 2015 prohibiting the act of female circumcision contravenes the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia since they are inconsistent with Sections 17 (1) and (2), 25 (1) (c), 28 (1) and (2), 32 and 33 (2) and (3) of the 1997 Constitution and therefore, ultra vires, null and void.
Secondly, they are seeking the apex court to make an order striking down Sections 32A and 32B of the Women’s (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2015 from the Women’s Act of 2010 so that only Section 32 of the original provision of the Women’s Act of 2010 will be maintained.
Thirdly, they are seeking a declaration that the act of the National Assembly in passing the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015 was done more than legislative authority and therefore, void and of no effect for being inconsistent with Sections 17 (1) and (2), 25 (1) (c), 28 (1) and (2), 32 and 33 (2) and (3) of the 1997 Constitution.

Wassu Gambia Kafo’s team conducting a pre-assessment survey on Gender Based Violence (GBV, FGM and Violence Against Children and Women which started already in West Coast Region. Thanks to Child-Fund and Unicef for this great initiative

Recognizing the influence of traditional communicators known as "Kanyelengs," the Joint Programme partnered with them to create drama and song performances addressing FGM. The Kanyelengs, being respected figures in Gambian society, used their platform to disseminate messages about the harmful effects of FGM and the legal ramifications of the practice. Focus group discussions were first organized to educate the Kanyelengs about the law banning FGM and to understand from them, their community attitudes towards the practice. This dialogue helped to inform the messaging used in the performances and further strengthened the Kanyelengs' role as advocates for the elimination of FGM.

Promoting Positive Masculinity and Equitable Gender Norms:

The Joint Programme supported the "Men For Equality" initiative, which organized community forums in the Kombos and Foni regions. These forums aimed to enhance the agency of men and youth groups, encouraging them to advocate for the elimination of FGM. The initiative emphasized the importance of positive masculinity, challenging traditional patriarchal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and harm women and girls. By engaging men as allies to eliminate FGM, the program aimed to shift societal perceptions and create a more equitable environment for women and girls in The Gambia.

The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) concluded its Annual Technical Consultation Meeting on June 13, themed "Delivering the Global Promise to End FGM by 2030." United Nations partners have emphasized the urgent need to end Female Genital Mutilation by 2030 through concerted efforts and the promotion of movements at national, regional, and global levels.

During the opening session, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, pledged her commitment to support efforts to end FGM in Nigeria. She called on stakeholders to use their platforms to eradicate this harmful practice by creating transformative movements that prevent FGM and empower survivors through comprehensive legal and psychosocial services aimed at restoring the dignity of victims.

Female Genital Mutilation is internationally recognized as a violation of the rights of women and girls. Nigeria accounts for almost one in ten of the 230 million FGM survivors globally and 22% of the 68 million girls at risk of FGM between 2015 and 2030. Despite recent data indicating a decline in national prevalence from 25% to 20% among women, there is a need to double efforts to achieve sustained progress towards the elimination of FGM in Nigeria.

The event had global experts, government officials, and representatives from 17 countries converge to share lessons learned, strategize, and strengthen collaborative efforts to end FGM by 2030. With a focus on "Local Solutions to Ending FGM," the consultation underscored the critical role of women-led organizations in driving change. Participants engaged in discussions on evidence-based programming, capacity building, and enhancing joint efforts between UNFPA and UNICEF at all levels.

"Ending FGM by 2030 is an ambitious yet achievable goal. It requires the dedication and collaboration of all stakeholders at every level. The commitment shown here in Nigeria, especially by the First Lady, is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we unite for the rights and dignity of women and girls." Said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

To accelerate action towards ending FGM by 2030, UNFPA Nigeria urged a unified and coordinated approach among all stakeholders. Strengthened alliances, and increased advocacy, would accelerate action towards eliminating Female Genital Mutilation at a national scale before the global deadline.

“We must continue to raise awareness at all levels of society about the harm of FGM and the important of gender equality and human rights. By maintaining our commitments and working collaboratively, we can make significant strides toward the complete elimination of FGM in Nigeria by 2030, added the UNFPA Nigeria Representative.

The consultation provided a platform for Nigeria to share its experiences and achievements in addressing FGM and to engage in discussions with international experts and stakeholders. The event was also graced with dignitaries such as H.E The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashima Shetima, the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, His Royal Highness Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga, celebrities and influential people including UNICEF Champion Kate Henshaw. Ministers and government representatives from Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen also attended and contributed to the discussions.

Wassu Gambia Kafo attended the Formative Research Consultation on FGM and Child marriage organized by NGBV to discuss the way forward in regards to FGM law and the different ways in which the health and rights of women and girls are affected in Gambian society.

https://www.diarimes.com/es/tarragona/241011/fatou-nyang-activista-trabaja-parar-mutilacion-genital-femenina-gambia_152993.html


Fighting against her family, against her friends, against her culture, her history and her tradition. This is what Fatou Nyang has been doing for more than fifteen years. Nyang was born in Tujereng , in the Kombo South region , a poor area of ​​Gambia.

There, 76% of women and one in two girls undergoes female genital mutilation . “It has been practiced for many years in several African countries. When I was a child and I went through it, I was indifferent. Because I had no information, I was not aware,” says Nyang .

That is until she started working for Wassu Kafo Gambia , an organisation that aims to prevent harmful traditional practices and child marriage. “My mother didn’t want me to go, she tried to stop me,” says Nyang . But nothing stopped her and once she joined the association, her mindset changed.

“I realised that it was not right. I didn’t want the women around me to have to go through that,” says the activist. From that moment on, in 2008, she began working to stop and eradicate it. “I started talking to my friends and asked for their support . In the end, it is a long and difficult road and you have to go little by little,” explains Nyang .

She has been speaking to those responsible for the practice for many years and explaining all the harm that female genital mutilation causes. “I always start at the top, with the grandparents of the families. You can’t just go straight to them and tell them to stop immediately. I try to speak respectfully and slowly convince them,” says the activist.

Although there is still a long way to  go , Nyang is happy  for all the people who have been able to become aware of the practice. “Now they realize that what  Fatou said was true, especially with regard to diseases, because there was a lot of ignorance,” says Nyang .
Training for doctors

From Wassu , they promote training in health centres in Gambia to improve the actions towards women who have undergone female genital circumcision. "Now they know the risk, they know what can happen. Years ago, this was not talked about," says Nyang . The activist has been in Tarragona this week.

“At first it was hard for me to talk about my experience, about how I suffered. But now I am not afraid anymore,” says Nyang . However, she receives many insults in her country and  on social networks. “They want to silence me and stop me, but they won’t succeed,” she says. Nyang gave a talk to students at the Vidal i Barraquer Institute .

«The response at the conferences is very good. I think that many people and young people in Europe know about circumcision. "The male side, but not the female side. And it shocks them a lot. They can't imagine that a woman can go through this kind of pain," she explains. Nyang 's daughter is already helping her in the fight and in the talks in Gambia and she has a clear objective. "I know that we will finish this and we will triumph, I have no doubt," she concludes.

During a two weeks’ tour in different cities in Catalonia, both teams of the Wassu Transnational Observatory, from Spain and The Gambia, are sharing experiences with Health, Education and Social Work Professionals working in direct contact with African diaspora families for the prevention and care of Female Genital Mutilation. The program is sponsored by "Cities Defensors of Human Rights"

Fatou Nyang, community trainer, has been invited to participate in different radio programs in Catalonia, during her tour to raise awareness about Female Genital Mutilation and the work that Wassu does in The Gambia as well as with the diaspora in Spain.

A two-day workshop in Banjul has brought together key stakeholders to bolster national and regional advocacy efforts against female genital mutilation (FGM) and strategize on protecting women and girls from harmful practices.

The workshop, jointly organized by GAMCOTRAP, NGBV, and Tango, was dedicated to the defence of the Women’s Amendment Act 2015 that criminalizes FGM, countering attempts to overturn the legislation.

Judy Gitau, Regional Coordinator for Equality Now, emphasized the haste of safeguarding the law and raising public cognition on the harmful effects of FGM.

“Moving forward, we must map out strategies to protect and defend the Women’s Amendment Act of 2015 so that it can continue to protect women and girls,” she stated.

Gitau also highlighted four major challenges facing the anti-FGM efforts: litigation, strong cultural norms, patriarchal systems, and an organized anti-rights wave.

“We never anticipated a need to defend the law, but we must strategize to ensure its implementation becomes the new culture, the new norm,” she added.

The workshop comes at a crucial time, as The Gambia has seen efforts to repeal the Women’s Amendment Act. In July 2024, the National Assembly rejected a private member’s bill aiming to repeal the law. However, according to Gitau, the fight is far from over, with ongoing legal challenges and societal resistance.

“The threat to the anti-FGM legislation here is a manifestation of a broader anti-rights wave that, if we are not careful, can push back on the rights of women and girls across the globe,” she warned.

Mr. Fallu Sowe, National Coordinator for the Network Against Gender-Based Violence, also echoed these sentiments, describing the fight against FGM as both a national and international issue.

He recalled the 2023 prosecution of three women for engaging in FGM, which sparked significant backlash. “Religious leaders and some communities began speaking out, calling for the repeal of the law. It’s a big lesson we must learn from – when we have laws, we must stand to protect them,” Sowe asserted.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) have played a vital role in advocating against FGM and supporting survivors. Yadicon Njie Eribo, Chairperson of Tango, spoke on behalf of CSOs, highlighting their efforts to raise understanding and engage communities through dialogues and workshops.

“CSOs have consistently lobbied for stronger legal frameworks and policy reforms to protect women. The Women’s Amendment Act 2015 stands as a powerful testament to our collective resolve to eliminate this harmful practice,” she noted.

Eribo praised the ongoing advocacy efforts, pointing up that education and socialization workshops have been pivotal in furnishing community members with vital information about the threats of FGM and the legal protection provided by the 2015 Act.

Honourable Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Madam Fatou Kinte, restated The Gambia’s commitment to international human rights conventions, including CEDAW and the CRC, which protect women’s and girls’ rights.

“The Gambia will continue social mobilization at the community level on the health and reproductive consequences of FGM while defending and implementing the law,” Kinte assured participants. She emphasized the importance of collective grassroots efforts and multi-stakeholder collaboration in ensuring the rights and well-being of women and girls are prioritized.

The workshop serves as a significant step in reinforcing The Gambia’s commitment to ending FGM, with stakeholders agreeing on the need for continued advocacy, enhanced implementation of the law, and greater public engagement to safeguard the future of women and girls in the country.

A courtesy visit by a team of Spanish Gendarmes and Police at the office for a project presentation on the methodology developed by Wassu, through the Transnational Observatory.

As the use of vaginal tobacco (Taaba) surges in The Gambia, Wassu Gambia Kafo conducted a pilot study on the use of sexual lubricants, with a particular focus on genital/vaginal tobacco. This research was supported by the British High Commission, and a presentation was held to share the evidence gathered in the field.

https://www.kerrfatou.com/gamcotrap-hosts-media-training-on-fgm-and-reproductive-health/


The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), supported by UNFPA, recently organized a day-long training session for media professionals from radio, television, and print outlets. The focus was on the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) on women’s sexual and reproductive health.

The training aimed to enhance media professionals’ understanding of FGM, its health consequences, and its link to sexual and gender-based violence, promoting informed discussions on these critical issues.

Founded in 1984, GAMCOTRAP is a Gambian NGO dedicated to eliminating FGM and other harmful traditional practices. The organization advocates for women’s health and empowerment through community education.

During the opening ceremony, Imam Baba Leigh provided an overview of FGM:
“FGM is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that predates Islam. Initially, it wasn’t tied to religion, but rather used as a tool of control and jealousy. Let me share its origins, which are often overlooked but cannot be denied. Female genital mutilation is said to have begun with Hajara and Sarata, the two wives of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
“Prophet Ibrahim, known as the father of the three Abrahamic religions and the ancestor of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, lived for many years without a child. His first wife, unable to conceive, suggested he marry her servant in hopes of having a child. Out of jealousy, she mutilated the second wife, unaware that she had already conceived,” he explained.

He also talks about the importance of the media in raising awareness about FGM “Media personnel are the fastest unit to help development, fight corruption and to liberate people, that is why the almighty Allah SWT all his bigness and his greatness he swore on the pen. You see how big that is. So really, having you with us will be a great help to the process that we are doing. The process that they are doing is for everybody,” he said.
Dr. Isatou Touray, the executive director of GAMCOTRAP, encouraged the media to apply the knowledge gained from the training.

“This is your chance to fully engage with the purpose we’ve called you for. Choose wisely and ask the essential questions. We are committed to being transparent and will share a wealth of information with you. Additionally, I want you to grasp how FGM impacts the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls,” she said.

GAMCOTRAP works to raise awareness about the impact of harmful traditional practices on the health of girls and women, focusing on FGM, nutritional taboos, HIV/AIDS, early marriages, and wife inheritance. They also promote positive cultural practices that empower female sexuality and advocate for policies that protect and promote the rights of women and children.

https://foroyaa.net/entrepreneurship-gender-based-violence-gbv-support-centre-inaugurated-in-farafenni/

 International Trade Centre (|TC) and UNFPA, in partnership with the Kerewan Area Council and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), has launched a One-Stop Shop  Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support Centre in Faratenni worth seven (7) million Dalasi   (USD100,000.00).

The center is built by ITC and UNFPA under the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund project, to address economic social Challenges, supporting entrepreneurship, cross-border trade and survivors of gender-based Violence.

Furthermore, the centre has a Trade Information and Border Assistance Office to address challenges faced by small-scale cross-border traders in completing border formalities. Crucial trade information and resources will be readily available and the GBV support centre will provide critical health, legal and psycho-social services to Survivors in a safe space with a view to promoting prevention as well as justice and healing.

Hon. Lamin Saidykhan said the initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote the economic empowerment of vulnerable women and youth and to protect the rights and dignity of those affected by gender-based violence.

“The project we celebrate today, Localizing Sustainable Development Goals—Improving the Livelihoods of Vulnerable Women and Youth around the Senegambia Bridge is a beacon of hope and progress for our region,” he said.

He stated that the One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship Centre is a symbol of opportunity and empowerment. It will serve as a hub for innovation, training, Support and equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, he said, adding that the Centre’s comprehensive services, from business advisory support to access to finance and cross-border trade assistance,  unlock the full potential of  local economy, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

“Equally important is the establishment of the Gender-Based Violence Victim Centre, a safe haven for those who have suffered from the scourge of violence. This Centre will provide vital services, including case reporting, counselling, and support for survivors, ensuring that they have the resources and protection they need to rebuild their lives,” he added.

Papa Tunkara, the chairman of Kerewan Area Council, said the One Stop Shop Entrepreneurs Center is a timely initiative with overwhelming importance which will create enormous economic and investment opportunities for women and other vulnerable groups within their geographical area. 

“Local government authorities will also benefit significantly from this initiative through human resource, capacity building programs and activities and of course this would make all of us better prepared to execute and implement our respective mandates. I encourage members of society especially women, to take ownership of this One Stop Shop Entrepreneurs Center and to take advantage of the economic and investment opportunities that the center provides,” he added.

Mr. Baboucarr Sallah,  ITC country Representative said their vision is for the centre to be a hub for nurturing business ideas, addressing gender-based violence, and fostering entrepreneurial growth. In the weeks, months, and years to come, their success will be measured by the outcomes. They are confident the project will have a transformative impact, complementing a range of interventions by stakeholders and partners in the socio-economic domain in the North Bank Region.

Ousainou Senghore the CEO of GIEPA said the establishment of the centre is a response to a critical need, a need to decentralize and extend vital economic and social support services to the heart of rural Gambia. 

“This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with everything necessary to foster entrepreneurship, support business growth, and provide essential services to those affected by gender-based violence. The training rooms will be buzzing with the exchange of ideas, the nurturing of skills, and the building of capacity. The shared offices for Business Support Organizations (BSOs) will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and business development,” he said. 

PS at the Ministry of Trade Lamin Dampha said the first One-Stop-shop Entrepreneurship and GBV Centre in rural Gambia, is an initiative that is designed to provide comprehensive economic and social support services to the communities of NBR and LRR as part of their ongoing efforts to decentralize MSME development across the nation.

“One of the key priorities of the Ministry is the development of micro, small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity building, business development, investment promotion, building partnership, improve business environment, and provide market linkages,” he explains. 

Karl Frederick Paul, UN Resident Coordinator, said they remain committed to supporting the government and people of the Gambia in addressing GBV and its resulting impact, through investments in gender equality and women’s empowerment programmes, strengthening the institutional capacity of government and other partners to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response and supporting community sensitisation programmes that influence positive change in behaviours and perceptions regarding GBV.

Established at a cost of 7 million Dalasi (USD 100,000.00), the centre directly addresses the need for decentralised economic and social services, particularly in rural areas.

https://standard.gm/gambia-registers-236-cases-of-gender-based-violence-in-recent-times/

Fallou Sowe, the national coordinator of the network against gender-based violence, said his office has recorded about 236 cases of gender-based violence in The Gambia with the majority of them, (65%), sexual violence cases.

“Over the past years, and from our experiences, the statistics we collected year after year, the numbers of sexual violence cases that are reported, including rape, defilement, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, are always more than 60%. What that tells us is that the cases of sexual violence are increasing in the country and the demographic health survey has proven that,” he explained.

Commenting on a case in Farafenni where a Magistrate sentenced a rapist to a fine of D50,000 for raping a 13-year-old girl, Mrs. Sowe said: “I don’t know the full details of the case but one thing I know is that according to the sexual Offences Act 2013, there is no fine, but only custodial sentence for any form of rape as far as the law is concern in the Gambia.”

He said if somebody is guilty of rape based on the laws of the Gambia, the person should be sentenced to prison for nothing less than ten years, depending on the age as well as the circumstances under which the person was raped.

He said if the victim is 12 years and below, the perpetrator should be sentenced to life imprisonment, but because she is 13 years old, as in this case, the perpetrator could have been sentenced to between 10 to 20 years imprisonment and not a fine.

Sowe said communities, authorities, parents, and responsible individuals should be concerned about the issues of sexual violence, and they should ensure that the law is applied to the letter to deter people from violating women, especially children.

“We are calling on the government, especially government institutions like the police and the court, to ensure that issues of Sexual and gender-based violence are not taken lightly and to make sure that perpetrators deter from sexually violating our children, especially our girls”, he said.

Standard Newspaper, 10th September, 2024

https://standard.gm/same-sex-offenders-to-get-5-years-imprisonment/


National Assembly members yesterday agreed to a proposal to make same sex relations an offense punishable by a jail term of five years minimum.

The Assembly is currently considering the 2020 criminal offences bill where this provision is contained.

The bill initially provided that ‘any person who engages in a sexual act with any person against the order of the nature or engages in a sexual act with an animal or permits any person to engage in sexual act with him or her against the order of nature commits a misdemeanor and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for two years.’

However following a careful consideration yesterday, the Assembly proposed that such offences are “aggravative” and require “rigorous imprisonment.”

Standard Newspaper, 10th September, 2024

Genitalia From Girls Mutilated in Ivory Coast Sold For Magic

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240909-genitalia-from-girls-mutilated-in-i-coast-sold-for-magic

Touba (Ivory Coast) (AFP) – When he was a witch doctor, Moussa Diallo would regularly smear himself in a lotion made from a clitoris cut from a girl subjected to female genital mutilation.

"I wanted to be a big chief, I wanted to dominate," said the small but charismatic fiftysomething from northwest Ivory Coast.

"I put it on my face and body" every three months or so "for about three years", said Diallo, who asked AFP not to use his real name.

Genitalia cut from girls in illegal "circumcision" ceremonies is used in several regions of the West African country to "make love potions" or magic ointments that some believe will help them "make money or reach high political office", said Labe Gneble, head of the National Organisation for Women, Children and the Family (ONEF).

A ground down clitoris can sell for up to around $170 (152 euros), the equivalent of what many in Ivory Coast earn in a month.

Diallo stopped using the unctions a decade ago, but regional police chief Lieutenant N'Guessan Yosso confirmed to AFP that dried clitorises are still "very sought after for mystical practices".

And it is clear from extensive interviews AFP conducted with former faith healers, circumcisers, social workers, researchers and NGOs, that there is a thriving traffic in female genitalia for the powers they supposedly impart.

Many are convinced the trade is hampering the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), which has been banned in the religiously diverse nation for more than a quarter of a century.

Despite that, one in five Ivorian women are still being cut, according to the OECD, with one in two being mutilated in parts of the north.

Cut and mixed with plants

Before he had a crisis of conscience and decided to campaign against FGM, Diallo said he was often asked by the women who performed excisions around the small town of Touba to use his powers to protect them from evil spells.

Female circumcision has been practised by different religions in West Africa for centuries, with most girls cut between childhood and adolescence. Many families consider it a rite of passage or a way to control and repress female sexuality, according to UN children's agency UNICEF, which condemns cutting as a dangerous violation of girls' fundamental rights.

Beyond the physical and psychological pain, cutting can be fatal, lead to sterility, birth complications, chronic infections and bleeding, not to mention the loss of sexual pleasure.

Diallo would often accompany the women who do the cutting out into the forest or to a home where dozens of girls would be circumcised, often surrounded by fetishes and sacred objects. So it was relatively easy for the former faith healer to obtain the precious powder.

"When they would cut the clitorises they would dry them for a month or two then pound them with stones," he said.

The result was a "black powder" which was then sometimes mixed with "leaves, roots and bark" or shea butter that is often used in cosmetics.

They could then sell it for around "100,000 CFA Francs (152 euros) if the girl was a virgin" or "65,000 (99 euros) if she already had a child" or barter it for goods and services, Diallo added.

The ex-witch doctor said he was able to get some of the powder recently -- a mix of human flesh and plants, he believes -- from a cutter in his village.

AFP was shown the powder but was unable to analyse it without buying it.

- 'Organ trafficking' -

Former circumcisers interviewed by AFP insisted that clitorises cut from girls are either buried, thrown into a river or given to the parents, depending on local custom.

But one in the west of the country admitted some end up being used for magic.

"Some people pretend they are the girls' parents and go off with the clitoris," she said.

Witch doctors use them for "incantations" and sell them afterwards, she claimed.

Another circumciser said some of her colleagues were complicit in the trade, "giving (genitalia) to people who are up to no good" for occult purposes.

Mutilated when she was still a child, one victim told AFP that her mother warned her to bring home the flesh that had been cut.

The trade is regarded as "organ trafficking" in Ivorian law and is punishable -- like FGM -- with fines and several years in prison, said lawyer Marie Laurence Didier Zeze.

But police in Odienne, who are in charge of five regions in the country's northwest, said no one has ever been indicted for trafficking.

"People won't say anything about sacred practices," lamented Lieutenant N'Guessan Yosso.

The cutters themselves are both feared and respected, locals told AFP, often seen as prisoners of evil spirits.

'Just nuts'
"A clitoris cannot give you magical powers, it's just nuts," said gynaecologist Jacqueline Chanine based in the country's commercial capital Abidjan.

Even so, the practice is still stubbornly widespread in some parts of the country, according to researchers.

Dieudonne Kouadio, an anthropologist specialising in health, was presented with a box of the powder in the town of Odienne, 150 kilometres north of Touba.

"It contained a dried cut organ in the form of a blackish powder," he said.

His discovery was included in a 2021 report for the Djigui foundation, whose conclusions were accepted by the Ministry for Women.

Farmers in Denguele district, of which Odienne is a part, "buy clitorises and mix the powder with their seeds to increase the fertility of their fields", said Nouho Konate, a Djigui foundation member who has been fighting FGM in the area for 16 years.

He said parents of young girls were "gutted" when he told them of the trafficking.

Further south and in the centre west of the country, women use clitoris powder as an aphrodisiac, hoping to prevent their husbands straying, said criminologist Safie Roseline N'da, author of a 2023 study on FGM which also pointed to the trade.

She and her two co-authors discovered that blood from cut women was also being used to honour traditional gods.

They are far from the only Ivorian folk remedies that use body parts, according to lawyer Didier Zeze.

Mystic beliefs keeps it going

"The mystic has a central place in daily life" in the Ivory Coast -- where Islam, Christianity and traditional animist beliefs co-exist -- said the Canadian anthropologist Boris Koenig, a specialist in occult practices there. "It touches every sphere of people's social, professional, family and love lives," he said, and there is generally nothing illegal about it.

The trade, however, is "one of the reasons that FGM survives" in the Ivory Coast, NGOs argue, where the rate of cutting is generally falling and is below the West African average of 28 percent, according to the OECD.

Back near Touba, the former witch doctor Diallo recalled how up to 30 women would be cut in a day in the places his magic protected.

The dry season between January to March was the favoured period for circumcisions, when the hot Harmattan wind from the Sahara helps scars heal, he said.

Staff at the region's only social work centre say the cutting is still going on but hard to quantify because it never happens in the open.

Instead it goes on in secret, hidden behind traditional festivals which have nothing to do with the practice, kept going they say by circumcisers from neighbouring Guinea -- only a few kilometres away -- where FGM rates are over 90 percent.
10/09/2024 (10th September, 2024)

A courtesy visit by UNICEF Team, followed by an impressive presentation on FGM and other related issues that affect the Health of women. The session was very interesting as we shared different thoughts on the new approaches and techniques that will usher us to the route of ending FGM as we hope for a future collaboration.

The National Assembly Member for Fôni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has vowed to continue the fight to ensure the law banning female genital mutilation is decriminalized. In February, Mr. Gibba introduced the Women’s Amendment Bill 2024, intended to decriminalize FGM. The bill has passed a second reading and is currently under consultation before its third and final reading.

The National Assembly passed the anti-FGM law in 2015, a month after former president Yahya Jammeh announced banning it, with up to three years imprisonment as a penalty.
However, there have been growing calls for the law to be scrapped, with prominent Islamic leader Abdoulie Fatty leading the crusade. On Tuesday, The Standard published a statement from the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressing its overwhelming support for the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Reacting to The Standard publication, Gibba said: “It is unfortunate that people who portray themselves as Muslims and Christians are influenced by the West to frustrate practices that are recommended by religion and culture.”

He said as the custodian of the bill, he will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the law is repealed. Gibba urged Gambian activists to stop portraying female circumcision as female genital mutilation. “The bill I tabled at the National Assembly is seeking to decriminalize female circumcision and not FGM because FGM is not practiced in The Gambia. I will continue to mobilize efforts and support from all and sundry who respect our religious laws and cultural beliefs,” he said.

Gibba added that women and human rights activists should focus on addressing issues such as maternal mortality which is rising in The Gambia.

“Just last year, we lost 52 women while giving birth, and none of these cases is associated with FGM. What is stopping our activists from talking about things? Why do they just focus on FGM? Can’t we put pressure on the government to address the issues in our health sector that are killing our women during birth?” Gibba noted.He said female circumcision is accepted in many countries that have realized its benefits.“We are calling on all Gambians to rally together and ensure that the law is decriminalized. Even Gambian doctors are saying there is no harm in female circumcision,” he added.

The NAM argued that the West should stop interfering with the country’s internal affairs, especially those that have to do with culture and religion.

“The majority of Gambians are practicing female circumcision, and I want to assure Gambians that I am more committed now than before to making sure the law is repealed. My conviction is that our laws should be considerate of the religious and cultural needs of our people,” he said.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its overwhelming support for the elimination of all harmful practices including female genital mutilation (FGM) that threaten the physical and psychological health of women and girls in accordance with the international human rights standards.

In a statement marking ‘International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2024’, the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed support for the efforts and initiatives aimed at eliminating all forms of harmful practices, including FGM, “that has the potential to threaten physical, psychological and mental well-being of women and girls under all circumstances”.

“The Commission considers that harmful practices like FGM are mere traditional customs without any proven religious sanction. On the contrary, the Islamic principles and values categorically condemn such practices and strongly advocates adopting legal and administrative measures to comprehensively eliminate these practices not only as a religious imperative but also for achieving equality, equity, social justice, and sustainable development,” it added.

The OIC human rights commission further said it welcomes the rising awareness across the Muslim world against the practice that “endangers the physical and psychological health of women and girls”.

“It was concluded at the Second Islamic Conference of Ministers in charge of Childhood held in Khartoum in 2009 that FGM is a violation of human rights of girls and women. OIC has adopted ‘Cairo Declaration of the OIC on Human Rights in which specific sections are included on ‘Human Rights of Women’, which calls for protection of women against all forms of discrimination, violence, abuse and harmful traditional practices,” the IPHRC added.

The Commission also commended the progress made by governments and communities that have taken steps to abandon harmful practices, emphasizing that much work remains to be done to fully eradicate such harmful practices.

“The Commission remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower communities to abandon FGM and create an environment where girls and women can thrive without fear of this harmful tradition. It calls on governments, civil society, religious leaders, and communities to redouble their efforts in raising awareness, providing education, and implementing legal measures to end all harmful practices, including FGM,” it stated.

The Commission also affirmed its readiness to work together with all relevant OIC institutions and member states, respecting cultural sensitivities, while promoting education on the health and human rights consequences of such practices.

As The Gambia National Assembly Gender /Health Committee is set to review the Women’s Amendment Act 2024. CSO coalition during the weekend at Tropic Gardens had two days retreat to draft a position paper to be presented to the National Assembly Members in order NOT to repeal the law banning FGM/C. Sessions presented by Wassu Gambia Kafo showing evidences based on scientific and clinical results will be the backbone of the document. CSO where able to compile material evidence and establish position papers and policy brief documents which will be presented to National Assembly Gender /Health Committee.

Wassu Gambia Kafo had a meeting, and a presentation with the National Assembly (Lawmakers) on FGM/C in The Gambia and the Law beyond. The main aim of this meeting and presentation done by Professor Adriana Kaplan, is to make sure the lawmakers understand the health implications of FGM/C with Scientific evidence gathered by Wassu Gambia Kafo.

Wassu Gambia Kafo meets with the British High Commission to discuss our work and explore potential partnerships and initiatives.

With the Gambia National Assembly about to vote on a bill to repeal a law banning FGM, more and more powerful voices are joining the call for the law to be maintained.

Nasifa Binte Shafique, the Unicef ​​Country Representative, has said repealing the FGM law will set a dangerous precedent.

Addressing a recent meeting organized by rights group Catch Them Young, Madam Shafique said The Gambia as a nation has to remember its own commitment to protect girls and women who constitute 50% of the population. “Therefore, we firmly call on the government to uphold the obligations under international and national human rights laws and maintain the ban on FGM. As Unicef ​​and other UN agencies, particularly UNFPA, we stand in solidarity with survivors, activists, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, and all those working tirelessly to end this human rights violation,” she said.

She also appreciated the efforts of the government and CSOs on the strong multilayer advocacies and actions undertaken in the fight to end FGM in this country. “But it is not enough. We should not stop until we prevent the retaliation of the law and make sure Gambia becomes FGM-free. That's a long way to go. But we will get there for sure,” the Unicef ​​official said.

She urged the government to enforce existing laws against child marriage and invest in programs that empower girls to promote gender equality, and provide safe spaces for dialogue.

Grand Dialogue has taken place today as part of the common goal of CSOs to bring evidence to the Health and Gender Committee at the National Assembly to avoid the repeal of the Women’s Bill banning FGM/C 2015. Under the auspices of the US Embassy in The Gambia and the presence of other diplomats and donors, Wassu Kafo Gambia’s founder Prof Adriana Kaplan was given the floor to present and engage participants on key research and clinical data on FGM/C health consequences in The Gambia.

After his meeting with President Adama Barrow at Statehouse recently, Rashad Hussain, US Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom revealed the President said he is working with members of the National Assembly to maintain the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and said the president’s position has been very clear on this issue.

However, he said that they recognize the sensitivity of the issue, but said as the issue is being addressed by the Government at the national level, it is critical that they respect the voices of religious leaders. He said they will be talking to members of the National Assembly including those who have brought the legislation forward. He said they are encouraged by the work of civil society and look forward to their cooperation with leaders and organizations to ensure that they maintain a complete total ban on FGM practice.

Ambassador Hussain said he had a productive and straight forward conversation with the president. “If one looks closely, this practice is banned in so many countries in the world. As a Muslim myself who is engaged with Muslim leaders in the country and around the world, it is clear this is a practice that violates Islamic principles because there are some cases where women and girls are being killed,” he said, adding that they heard from civil society, activists and religious leaders and others who are working passionately towards the rights of women and girls in The Gambia. He said this includes their efforts to work together to maintain the ban on the practice of FGM.

Tutti Drammeh, a student of St Joseph and a child activist has said that FGM should not be considered a matter of choice “as harming human beings cannot be a matter of choice.”

She made the remarks at the “Catch Them Young” dialogue on “National Convening on Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage and Sexual Violence,” held on Saturday 20th April at the Baobab Hotel.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we also hear people say FGM should be a matter of choice, our message to those people is that FGM cannot be considered a matter of choice. Harming human beings cannot be an option, even being their parents does not give anyone the right to harm children”, she argued.

Tutti adds that the state holds a responsibility under all international and local human rights instruments such as CEDAW, UNCRC and The Gambia Women’s Amendment Act to protect girls and women.

“Most of us believe that when the NAMs succeed in repealing this law. They will go after the child marriage law. We cannot afford to get there! This is not the era of regression but progression”, she further stressed.

Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique the UNICEF Gambia Representative also said: “for several weeks and months now we have all been witnessing attempt and initiatives aimed at repealing the law banning FGM in the Gambia. The proposed repeal of the ban of FGM is a severe violation of human rights and a setback in the global fight against FGM”.

“Repealing this law will set a dangerous precedent and a step back on Gambia’s commitment to protect girls and women”, she added.

She further calls on the government to uphold the obligations under international and national human rights law to maintain the ban on FGM.

Catch Them Young – The Gambia a non-governmental organization dedicated to discovering, nurturing and unleashing the potentials of children, partnered with UNICEF Gambia to convene this dialogue on Saturday 20th April at the Baobab Hotel where different personalities grace the occasion including some National Assembly members

A courtesy visit by Alfred Hill from International Development Law to know more about the work that has been done by Wassu Gambia Kafo over the years on FGM and other SGBV and hope for a future collaboration.