Female Genital Mutilation is a grave violation of human rights that continues to affect the lives of countless girls and women in The Gambia. Statistics show that the rate of FGM in The Gambia is around 76 per cent in the 14-49-year age range, and about 51 per cent for girls up to the age of 14. FGM is often conducted without consent and perpetuates a cycle of physical and psychological suffering for women and girls.

The Gambia has taken significant steps towards improving the plight of women by signing and domesticating various international legal instruments. In 2015, the country enacted a law banning FGM, marking a milestone in the fight against this harmful tradition—a move celebrated by rights activists worldwide.

In a significant legal step, three women were convicted in August 2023 for violating the FGM Law in The Gambia; the trio were found practising FGM on girls between 4 months to one year in the village of Bakadagi-Mandinka, Niani District in the Central River Region North of the Gambia. The three women were fined a sum of D15, 000 each or in default serve a one-year prison sentence.

THE MULTIPLE FRONTS TO THE DEBATE ON FGM IN THE GAMBIA

In The Gambia, the battle against FGM is waged on multiple fronts, with both religious and traditional perspectives playing pivotal roles in shaping the discourse. Religious and traditional beliefs have historically been deeply linked with the practice of FGM.

In some communities, proponents of FGM justify the practice by citing religious beliefs and cultural traditions. However, there is a growing movement within religious circles, particularly among Islamic scholars and leaders, advocating against FGM. They emphasize the importance of contextualizing religious texts and teachings, highlighting that Islam does not mandate or support the practice of FGM. Scholars argue for a reinterpretation of religious doctrine to eradicate FGM and promote a more compassionate and progressive understanding of Islam. This debate is a critical step towards dispelling the myths and misconceptions surrounding FGM. It sets the stage for constructive dialogue and advocacy, and ultimately, the eradication of this harmful practice to safeguard the well-being and dignity of women and girls.

VOICES OF CHANGE FUELLED BY MASSIVE SENSITIZATION

Amid the controversy surrounding FGM, there is a pleasing reality in sight ready to trigger profound transformation-one driven by understanding, courage and empathy. Former circumcisers, once deeply rooted in the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), have bravely come forward to share their stories of change and advocate for a future free from the harmful tradition. This is as a result of years of sensitization on the harmful effects of FGM and the provision of anecdotal evidence to demonstrate the effects of the practice. A good number of these sensitization programs are supported by the UNFPA with support from the Joint Program on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, through implementing partners such as GAMCOTRAP, Think Young Women and other women and youth rights organizations.

There is a wide community-level transformation of social/gender norms that often drive female genital mutilation with laws banning the practice and access to quality sexual and reproductive health and child protection services for girls and women at risk. The programme has been working in partnership with governments, civil society, development partners and local communities. 

EMBRACING AND INSPIRING CHANGE

In the village of Same Madina in the Central River Region of The Gambia, Binta Ceesay had once practiced FGM as a circumciser. The ex-cutter is now a beacon of hope for young girls in her community, with her renewed beliefs about FGM. Her journey towards change was rooted in her understanding of the issues around FGM, thanks to sensitization activities carried out in her community. Binta reveals that she is now free from the chains of this harmful tradition.

“While the government's laws should be respected, they are not the reason why we stopped. It's important to sensitize [people], just like it was done for us. If people understand the issues, they won't have a problem with them. But if they don't, they can cause harm and end up facing legal consequences. To prevent this, more training and sensitization is needed to educate them about the dangers of FGM for the future of our young girls”.

Binta further emphasized the dire need to end the practice to ensure healthier and more dignified futures for girls. She added that FGM is dangerous to the health and wellbeing of girls and therefore must end.

If FGM ends, young girls will “…. simply be healthy, as there are no health benefits to FGM”, Binta was quoted as saying.

She welcomed the involvement of men in the fight against FGM but stressed that

“Men are generally unaware of FGM since their wives can take their child for the practice without their knowledge. It's primarily a concern for women”.

Mama Jabbi hails from Niani Kunting, a village in the Central River Region. Mama was part of the deeply entrenched cultural practice.

“I inherited the tradition of cutting. I have extensive knowledge about it”.

She explained how the tradition was held very dear in her community mostly for what she has come to realize as unjustifiable.

“In the past, elders would wait until girls were grown to perform FGM to discipline them and instill respect for elders and society. Now, they are performing FGM on infants and young children. If you perform FGM on an infant, what moral values will she learn? It is now up to parents to discipline their children and teach them respect.”

Mama vividly recalls her days as a circumciser, FGM deeply ingrained in her community's beliefs. However, as she performed these procedures, she witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional agony the girls endured.

“The dangers faced by our mothers became clear to me during a session with Tostan. I believe that anything harmful to us should be stopped”

FOSTERING AWARENESS AND EDUCATION: AGENTS OF CHANGE

With a renewed determination to make a positive impact, these two women are championing community initiatives aimed at ending FGM. Equipped with knowledge and empathy, they carry on educating their communities about the dangers and long-term repercussions of FGM.

Their’s is a story of change and hope that illuminate the path towards a brighter, more equal future for young girls. They are living proof that change is possible, but their message remains clear: More sensitization and community engagement is needed to end FGM in The Gambia.

Media Contact: Fatoumatta Cham, Program Analyst, Communications ( fcham@unfpa.org)