Gambian lawmakers have rejected a bill aimed at overturning the ban on female genital cutting, marking a significant moment in the fight against this practice. The decision follows intensive debate and advocacy from activists, highlighting the health risks associated with the procedure. Many women and girls in Gambia still undergo this practice despite the existing ban, emphasizing the need for effective enforcement and continued efforts against it.
On Monday, the Gambian lawmakers dismissed a proposed bill that sought to overturn the existing ban on female genital cutting, a move that had garnered international attention as it aimed to make Gambia the first nation to reverse such a prohibition. Following extensive debate within the predominantly Muslim country, the parliament effectively quashed the bill by rejecting all its clauses, thus preventing a final vote.
The practice, often termed female genital mutilation, entails the partial or complete removal of girls’ external genitalia. It is typically performed by community practitioners using rudimentary tools, such as razor blades, and occasionally by healthcare professionals. This procedure can lead to severe health ramifications, including bleeding, death, and complications during childbirth, despite being prevalent in various regions across Africa.
Activists and human rights organizations raised concerns that reversing the ban would undermine years of effort aimed at abolishing this ancient practice, which is frequently imposed on girls below the age of five based on beliefs surrounding sexual purity. Conversely, religious conservatives advocated for the reversal, framing the practice as an integral aspect of Islamic values.
While lawmakers initially advanced the bill in March, which raised fears about the ban being lifted, public sentiment shifted as activists promoted awareness. Reports from healthcare professionals and religious leaders before the health committee highlighting the serious health risks posed by the practice influenced the eventual outcome.
Absa Samba, an activist and survivor, expressed her relief following the vote, celebrating with her peers outside the parliament. She remarked, “It is such a huge sense of relief,” emphasizing the ongoing struggle against the practice. Another survivor, Fatou Baldeh, lamented the emotional toll endured throughout the debate, questioning, “Why have we been forced to relive our traumas?”
According to United Nations estimates, over half of Gambian women and girls aged 15 to 49 have experienced female genital cutting. Although the former president, Yahya Jammeh, instituted the ban in 2015 without explanation, enforcement has remained inadequate, allowing the practice to persist. Last year saw the first prosecutions linked to the practice when three women faced convictions for subjecting their daughters to cutting.
UNICEF reported that approximately 30 million women globally have undergone female genital cutting within the past eight years, predominantly in Africa, while other regions such as Asia and the Middle East are also affected. Notably, research by the United Nations Population Fund indicated that over 80 countries have enacted laws prohibiting the practice, including diverse nations such as South Africa, Iran, India, and Ethiopia.
The rejection of the bill in Gambia marks a significant victory for activists and human rights defenders advocating against female genital cutting. This decision underscores the importance of continued advocacy and education on the health risks associated with the practice. Despite the ban’s prevalence, the legal framework requires robust enforcement to protect vulnerable girls from harm. The ongoing commitment of activists reflects a collective intention to eliminate this harmful practice and promote female health and rights globally.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
