Lawmakers in Gambia have dismissed a bill aimed at reversing the ban on female genital cutting after significant advocacy from human rights activists. The rejection follows months of debate in a country where about half of women and girls have undergone the procedure, despite a ban established in 2015. Activists view the decision as a victory in the fight against this harmful practice, which poses serious health risks to women and girls.
Lawmakers in Gambia rejected a bill that sought to overturn the ban on female genital cutting, a move that had garnered attention from activists worldwide. The decision was made after extensive debates in the predominantly Muslim nation, which has a population of fewer than 3 million. By dismissing all clauses of the proposed legislation, the lawmakers effectively terminated any chance for a final vote on the bill.
Female genital cutting, also referred to as female genital mutilation, involves the partial or complete excision of girls’ external genitalia, typically performed by community practitioners using rudimentary tools. This practice poses severe health risks, including excessive bleeding, complications during childbirth, and even death, but continues to persist in various African communities.
Human rights organizations raised significant concerns that reversing the ban could undo years of advocacy against this deeply rooted tradition, often performed on children younger than five, which stems from notions of sexual purity. Proponents of the repeal, primarily religious conservatives, contended that the practice is a reflection of Islamic virtue.
In March, a majority in the legislature supported the advancement of the bill, raising fears about the potential legal reversal of the ban. However, the tide turned as activists campaigned for change and medical professionals, along with religious leaders, presented evidence about the harmful effects of the procedure during discussions with lawmakers.
Following the vote, activist and survivor Absa Samba expressed her relief, stating, “It’s such a huge sense of relief,” and emphasized that this moment should be seen as just the beginning of continued efforts. Another survivor, Fatou Baldeh, articulated her emotional turmoil regarding the prolonged debate about the bill, questioning the need to endure such trauma discussions.
In Gambia, it is estimated that over half of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have experienced female genital cutting, despite the ban instituted by former President Yahya Jammeh in 2015. Although enforcement of the ban has been weak, recent prosecutions marked a turning point in public discourse surrounding the issue.
UNICEF reported that approximately 30 million women have undergone female genital cutting worldwide within the last eight years, predominantly in Africa but also in Asia and the Middle East. A World Bank study shared by the United Nations Population Fund indicated that over 80 countries have established legal prohibitions against this practice.
The UNFPA reported, “No religious text promotes or condones female genital mutilation,” asserting that there are no benefits associated with it. The long-term consequences of this practice can lead to urinary tract infections, menstrual issues, diminished sexual satisfaction, and severe psychological effects, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Gambia parliament’s rejection of the bill to lift the ban on female genital cutting marks a significant victory for activists and human rights advocates. The decision underscores the ongoing challenges and the importance of continued advocacy against this harmful practice, as well as the need for effective enforcement of existing laws. Despite the progress made, the battle against female genital cutting continues, highlighting the necessity for education and awareness to protect future generations of women and girls.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
