In the rural border communities of The Gambia and Senegal, where tradition and religion play a central role in everyday life, Imam Fula Barry is using his voice and influence to protect women and girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

FGM persists as a deeply embedded practice across The Gambia and neighboring Senegalese communities, sustained by historical cultural traditions and specific religious interpretations. Over several years, this practice has been the subject of extensive debate, characterized by robust advocacy for its cessation alongside instances of its justification through cultural or religious frameworks.

Imam Fula Barry has emerged as a prominent figure advocating for the abandonment of FGM within these border regions. Operating across The Gambia and Senegal, Imam Barry serves as a distinguished advocate for the protection of women and girls. He leverages his authority as a religious leader to challenge harmful practices and foster an informed understanding of Islamic doctrine.

Participating in training facilitated by Tostan and supported by UNFPA, Imam Barry acquired comprehensive insights into the health, human rights, and religious implications of FGM. A fundamental component of this training emphasized the necessity of engaging communities via established cultural and religious platforms to facilitate respectful dialogue and rectify misconceptions. Furthermore, the training enhanced his capacity to differentiate between authentic religious tenets and cultural practices erroneously linked to Islam.

Armed with this knowledge, Imam Barry returned to his communities determined to make a difference.

Following my return from Mansa Konko, I have been integrating our advocacy directly into community ceremonies. I provide guidance on the protection of young girls and educate participants during wedding and naming ceremonies regarding the distinction between Sunnah and cultural tradition. We are observing significant progress, as awareness increases and communities become more receptive to these critical teachings he stated.

His message has achieved notable resonance in rural and border areas, where religious leaders hold significant influence over social norms and familial decision-making. Consequently, community members are increasingly participating in discourse concerning the disparities between cultural customs and religious mandates, thereby establishing pathways for constructive social change.

The advocacy efforts of Imam Barry are situated within a broader cross-border initiative supported by UNFPA and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). This program is dedicated to the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices, such as FGM and child marriage, while simultaneously reinforcing community structures, institutional capabilities, and access to survivor-centered services for women and girls.

Media contact: Malick Saine-Communications Associate (saine@unfpa.org)