Lawmakers in Gambia have made a significant decision by rejecting a bill that aimed to reverse the ban on female genital cutting in the West African nation. This ban, which prohibits the partial or full removal of girls' external genitalia, has been a subject of intense debate in the predominantly Muslim country with a population of less than 3 million.
The attempt to lift the ban, which would have made Gambia the first country in the world to do so, was closely monitored by activists globally. The lawmakers' rejection of all clauses of the bill effectively halted its progress and prevented a final vote on the matter.
Female genital cutting, also known as female genital mutilation, is a harmful practice that can lead to serious health complications, including bleeding, death, and childbirth difficulties. Despite its risks, the procedure remains prevalent in certain parts of Africa, rooted in cultural beliefs surrounding sexual purity and control.
Activists and human rights groups expressed concerns that overturning the ban would undermine years of efforts to combat this centuries-old practice, often performed on girls under the age of 5. Religious conservatives advocating for the reversal argued that the practice was a religious virtue in Islam.
Following the lawmakers' decision, activists and survivors, such as Absa Samba, expressed relief and excitement. However, they emphasized that more work needs to be done to raise awareness about the health implications of female genital cutting.
According to United Nations estimates, over half of women and girls aged 15 to 49 in Gambia have undergone the procedure. The ban was initially implemented in 2015 by former leader Yahya Jammeh, but enforcement has been weak, leading to continued instances of female genital cutting.
Globally, an estimated 30 million women have undergone female genital cutting in the past eight years, with the majority of cases reported in Africa, as well as in Asia and the Middle East. More than 80 countries have laws prohibiting or criminalizing the practice, recognizing its harmful effects on women's health and well-being.
It is important to note that no religious text endorses female genital mutilation, and there are no proven benefits to the practice. Long-term consequences include urinary tract infections, menstrual issues, pain, reduced sexual satisfaction, childbirth complications, as well as psychological effects such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The rejection of the bill in Gambia signifies a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to eliminate female genital cutting and promote the health and rights of women and girls in the country.
