In order to ensure the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in various communities and The Gambia as a whole, there is a need to employ a multi-stakeholder approach. This is why, the involvement of ex-circumcisers is key in the campaign to eradicate the practice.

Hinged on this importance, with support from UNFPA The Gambia, GAMCOTRAP on 14 December 2019 conducted a one-day FGM refresher training for 30 ex-circumcisers in Nyakoi Talabatu, in the Upper River Region on The Gambia.  

It should be noted that, when circumcisers who are the custodians of this harmful practice, drop their knives and join the movement to end FGM, the results will be enormous, thus, there is a need to keep them adequately informed about the importance of campaigning against the practice and the power of their voices in their communities, to influence positive change.

This is why, UNFPA continues to support grassroots movements and structures such as these ex-circumciser, to leverage the power of their condemning the practice of FGM and to amplify their positive stories of change, for greater impact in accelerating the abandonment of FGM and other harmful traditional practices against women and girls.