Gambia Lawmakers Reject Bill That Would Overturn Female Genital Cutting Ban

Lawmakers in The Gambia rejected a bill to reverse the ban on female genital cutting. This significant decision followed months of debate, reflecting growing opposition to the practice. Activists celebrated the outcome, while concerns about enforcement of existing laws persist, as FGM remains widespread in the country and beyond.

On Monday, lawmakers in The Gambia voted to reject a proposed bill aimed at reversing the ban on female genital cutting, a significant decision that was watched closely by international activists. This outcome came after extensive deliberations in a predominantly Muslim nation of less than three million people, where lawmakers dismissed all clauses of the bill, thus halting any final vote.

Female genital mutilation (FGM), which involves the partial or total removal of female external genitalia, is performed often by untrained practitioners. The procedure can lead to severe health complications, including bleeding, death, and complications during childbirth; yet, it remains prevalent in parts of Africa due to longstanding cultural beliefs.

Human rights advocates expressed deep concerns that overturning the ban would undermine efforts made over decades against this practice, typically inflicted on girls under the age of five. Proponents of the bill, mostly religious conservatives, claimed that FGM was aligned with Islamic values.

In March, there was initial momentum for the bill’s advancement, raising alarms among rights advocates. However, after hearing testimonies from activists and medical professionals about the harmful effects of FGM, the perspectives of lawmakers shifted significantly.

Absa Samba, an activist and survivor, expressed immense relief following the vote, remarking, “It’s such a huge sense of relief.” Conversely, Fatou Baldeh voiced her frustration about the prolonged legislative debates, asking, “Why have we been forced to relive our traumas?”

UN estimates indicate that over half of women and girls aged 15 to 49 in The Gambia have undergone FGM. In 2015, former President Yahya Jammeh imposed a ban on the practice, although enforcement has remained weak, and FGM continues. There have been recent prosecutions of individuals for facilitating the procedure, igniting substantial public discourse.

Globally, UNICEF reported that about 30 million women have undergone FGM in the last eight years, predominantly in Africa and parts of Asia and the Middle East. The World Bank notes that more than 80 countries have enacted laws against FGM, including Iran and South Africa.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), no religious texts endorse FGM, and the practice has no health benefits. Long-term consequences of FGM can include significant health issues, both physical and psychological.

The rejection of the bill in The Gambia highlights a significant victory for human rights advocates in the ongoing battle against female genital mutilation. Although this decision may bolster efforts to protect women and girls, concerns remain about the continued prevalence of the practice. Advocacy for robust enforcement of existing laws will remain crucial to eradicating FGM. The international community continues to monitor and support these developments.

Original Source: www.pbs.org