Gambia’s Parliament Upholds Ban on Female Genital Mutilation

In a significant move for women’s rights, the Gambian Parliament has upheld the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that has been a contentious issue in the country. This decision comes after a bill that sought to reverse the ban on FGM was rejected by lawmakers, maintaining the landmark law that prohibits this harmful practice.

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. The practice involves procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons and has no health benefits. On the contrary, it can cause severe bleeding, problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

The reasons behind Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are complex and varied, deeply rooted in the social, cultural, and sometimes religious fabric of the societies where it is practiced. FGM is a traditional practice that has been carried out for centuries, with the World Health Organization estimating that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM.

One of the primary reasons for FGM is social acceptance. It is often considered a rite of passage that marks the transition from childhood to womanhood. In many communities, it is believed that FGM ensures marital eligibility and is seen as a prerequisite for social and cultural acceptance. The practice is so ingrained in some societies that not undergoing FGM can lead to social exclusion.

Religion is often cited as a reason for FGM, although no religious scripts prescribe the practice. Some practitioners believe that FGM is a religious requirement, despite leaders from various faiths, including Islam and Christianity, stating that their religions do not mandate it.

Misconceptions about hygiene and cleanliness are also factors that perpetuate FGM. There is a belief that female genitalia are dirty and that FGM can ensure cleanliness and health, despite the procedure having no health benefits and often resulting in severe health complications.

Preservation of a girl or woman’s virginity is another reason given for FGM. It is mistakenly believed that FGM can reduce a woman’s libido, thereby helping to ensure her chastity. This is linked to ideas of purity and modesty that are highly valued in some cultures.

The Gambia’s stance on FGM is a reflection of the global movement against gender-based violence. The ban, which was initially instituted in 2015, made the practice punishable by up to three years in prison. The recent attempt to overturn this ban was met with widespread criticism from rights groups and international organizations, who argued that reversing the ban would be a significant setback for women’s rights not only in The Gambia but globally.

The decision to uphold the ban is a testament to the country’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls. It also aligns with the global efforts to eradicate FGM, a practice that the World Health Organization (WHO) says has no health benefits and can lead to a range of physical and psychological problems.

The Gambia is among the countries with the highest rates of FGM, with a prevalence of 73 percent among women and girls aged 15 to 49, according to figures from UNICEF. The upholding of the ban is a crucial step in changing these statistics and improving the lives of countless women and girls.

This development in The Gambia could serve as an encouraging sign to other nations grappling with the practice of FGM. It demonstrates that change is possible through legislative action and societal awareness. The hope is that this decision will continue to inspire and influence other countries to strengthen their laws against FGM and protect the rights of women and girls.