Gambia’s lawmakers have rejected a bill that aimed to overturn the ban on female genital cutting, a decision welcomed by activists and human rights groups. The decision followed extensive debate and advocacy highlighting the harmful impacts of the practice. While this is viewed as a significant victory for women’s rights, the ongoing prevalence of FGM necessitates continued efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
Lawmakers in Gambia recently rejected a bill aimed at overturning a ban on female genital cutting, which had attracted significant international attention. The proposed change was notably controversial within the predominantly Muslim nation, as debates occurred over several months. Ultimately, legislators thwarted the initiative by dismissing all associated clauses, thereby preventing a final vote on the matter.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), often involving the removal of a girl’s external genitalia by traditional practitioners or sometimes health workers, can lead to severe health consequences. This practice continues to be prevalent in various regions of Africa, despite its recognized dangers, including serious bleeding, childbirth complications, and even death. Activists have expressed concern that rescinding the ban would undermine decades of progress against this harmful tradition.
Proponents of lifting the ban, primarily religious conservatives, claimed that female genital cutting is supported by Islamic virtues. However, there was a notable shift in opinions following advocacy efforts from human rights groups, which included testimonies from health professionals and religious leaders regarding the detrimental effects of FGM. Activists celebrated the vote’s outcome, marking it as an important victory against an entrenched practice.
Absa Samba, an activist and survivor, expressed her relief following the vote, while Fatou Baldeh articulated her emotional turmoil over the months-long struggle. She highlighted the ongoing issue of girls still being subjected to cutting, hoping that the law would lead to substantial change rather than mere symbolic enforcement. In Gambia, over 50% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have experienced FGM, according to United Nations data.
The previous ban on female genital cutting was instituted in 2015 by former President Yahya Jammeh; however, activists maintain that enforcement has been lax, allowing the practice to persist. The initiation of prosecutions last year against individuals responsible for cutting sparked a renewed public discourse, reflecting societal views on this sensitive topic. Despite the existence of prohibitory laws in over 80 countries, including notable examples such as South Africa and India, the prevalence of FGM remains a pressing issue for global health and human rights advocates.
In summary, the Gambian legislature’s decision to reject the bill aimed at overturning the ban on female genital cutting marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against this practice. The vote reflects changing societal attitudes, influenced by extensive advocacy from activists and health professionals. While the rejection of the bill is a victory for women’s rights, the persistence of FGM indicates that much work remains to be done to ensure the health and safety of girls throughout Gambia and beyond.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
