Gambia's parliament has upheld a pivotal decision to maintain the ban on female genital mutilation, rebuffing efforts to overturn the legislation with the Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024. The proposed bill, championed by MP Almameh Gibba, stirred significant controversy by framing FGM as a cultural and religious practice, challenging assertions from rights groups that view it as a harmful violation of women's rights.
Initially passing a second reading with minimal opposition in March, the bill's momentum shifted as it underwent further legislative scrutiny. Monday’s vote marked a critical juncture, with lawmakers rejecting each clause of the bill, effectively halting its progression toward a final reading scheduled for July 24.
The parliamentary session saw impassioned debates and protests, underscoring the deep societal divisions within Gambia, a nation where FGM remains a culturally entrenched practice. Supporters of the ban, including numerous civil society organizations and international bodies like the World Health Organization, argue that FGM poses severe health risks and perpetuates gender inequality.
Gambia’s 2015 ban imposed penalties of up to three years in prison for offenders, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding women and girls from the physical and psychological consequences associated with FGM. The decision to uphold the ban aligns with global efforts to eliminate the practice, which affects millions of women and girls worldwide, particularly in countries where FGM prevalence rates are high.
Critics of the ban's reversal efforts argue that legalizing FGM would undermine progress made in protecting women's rights and promoting gender equality in Gambia. The legislative outcome underscores ongoing challenges in reconciling cultural traditions with human rights imperatives in the region.
The Gambia, with one of the highest FGM prevalence rates globally, continues to grapple with cultural norms that perpetuate the practice. Despite setbacks in legislative reform, advocates remain committed to educating communities and implementing alternative rites of passage that respect cultural heritage without endangering women's health and rights.
