Gambia’s lawmakers have rejected a bill aimed at overturning the ban on female genital cutting, marking a significant victory for activists. The decision comes after extensive debate in a country where the practice endangers many girls. Despite the ban, the procedure continues to affect a substantial portion of the female population, raising ongoing concerns regarding enforcement and cultural attitudes toward the practice.
Lawmakers in Gambia have officially rejected a bill that sought to lift the ban on female genital cutting, a decision that has garnered international attention from human rights activists. This legislative rejection followed extensive discussions within the predominantly Muslim nation, where the practice remains a traditional custom involving the partial or full removal of female genitalia, often performed under dangerous conditions. The vote resulted in lawmakers dismissing all parts of the proposed bill, preventing it from being introduced for a concluding vote.
Activists express concern that overturning the ban would undo years of progress in combating a practice deeply embedded in cultural norms, which mainly affects girls under five years of age. Advocates for the ban’s reversal, predominantly conservative religious factions, argue from a standpoint of Islamic virtues. After initial support for the bill, changing public and legislative opinions emerged, influenced by testimonies regarding the health risks associated with female genital cutting.
Absa Samba, an activist and survivor, expressed her relief after the vote, stating, “It’s such a huge sense of relief.” She emphasized the ongoing need for advocacy in the battle against the practice. Another survivor, Fatou Baldeh, articulated her frustration regarding the prolonged debate, highlighting the emotional toll on survivors forced to revisit their traumatic experiences.
According to United Nations estimates, over half of the women and girls aged 15 to 49 in Gambia have undergone the procedure, despite a ban instituted by former President Yahya Jammeh in 2015. Activists note that enforcement has been limited, allowing the practice to persist, exemplified by recent prosecutions of three women involved in the practice, which ignited further public discussion on the matter.
Globally, UNICEF reports that approximately 30 million women have been subjected to female genital cutting in the past eight years, primarily in Africa, though it also occurs in parts of Asia and the Middle East. More than 80 nations enforce laws against this practice according to a World Bank study, highlighting a growing international consensus against female genital mutilation.
The UNFPA has strongly asserted that, “No religious text promotes or condones female genital mutilation,” emphasizing the absence of any benefits associated with the practice. Long-term consequences include severe health complications, mental health issues, and a loss of sexual satisfaction for women affected by this harmful tradition.
The rejection of the bill to lift the ban on female genital cutting in Gambia has been hailed as a significant victory for activists and survivors who have tirelessly campaigned against this harmful practice. The decision underscores the ongoing commitment to protecting women’s rights and health in Gambia. Continued advocacy and public education will be critical to ensure effective enforcement of existing laws and a cultural shift away from practices that harm women’s well-being.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
