Gambia’s Lawmakers Reject Proposal to Overturn Ban on Female Genital Cutting
Gambian lawmakers have voted against a bill aimed at reversing the ban on female genital cutting. This decision, following intense debate, reflects the commitment to protect women’s rights in the country. Activists expressed relief, emphasizing the ongoing need for advocacy against this harmful practice prevalent in many regions.
Lawmakers in Gambia have rejected a bill that sought to repeal a ban on female genital cutting, an effort that was monitored closely by activists globally. The decision followed intense debates within the predominantly Muslim country, which has a population of fewer than three million. By dismissing all clauses of the proposed bill, lawmakers effectively prevented any final vote from taking place.
Female genital mutilation, which entails the partial or total removal of girls’ external genitalia, is often performed by traditional practitioners using rudimentary tools like razor blades. This practice can lead to severe health issues, including complications during childbirth, and remains prevalent in numerous African countries. Critics asserted that overturning the ban would undermine efforts made over many years to combat this deeply entrenched tradition.
The opposition to the bill was bolstered by testimonies from medical professionals, religious leaders, and activists who highlighted the dangerous health consequences associated with the procedure. Religious conservatives who supported the bill contended that female genital cutting aligns with Islamic practices. Following earlier legislative support for the bill, rights activists mobilized and campaigned vigorously, altering the legislative landscape.
After the vote, activist Absa Samba expressed immense relief, stating that it marked only the beginning of ongoing work towards reform. Fellow activist Fatou Baldeh voiced her distress regarding the eleven-month ordeal. She questioned the necessity of reliving traumatic experiences merely because of entrenched beliefs held by males about the practice’s safety.
UN estimates indicate that over fifty percent of Gambian women and girls aged 15 to 49 have undergone female genital cutting. The former president, Yahya Jammeh, instituted a ban in 2015; however, enforcement remains weak. Last year marks the first prosecutions of individuals for facilitating the procedure, which stimulated public discussion and fueled the recent attempt to reverse the law.
According to UNICEF, approximately 30 million women globally have experienced female genital cutting over the past eight years, predominantly in Africa but also in parts of Asia and the Middle East. A World Bank study cited by the United Nations Population Fund reveals that over 80 nations have laws against the practice. The UNFPA has emphasized that no religious doctrine endorses female genital mutilation and that it yields no benefits.
Furthermore, long-term consequences include urinary tract infections, menstrual disruptions, and psychological issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The recent legislative decision in Gambia achieves a significant milestone in the fight against female genital cutting, demonstrating a commitment to uphold women’s rights and health.
The rejection of the bill to overturn the ban on female genital cutting in Gambia signals a continued commitment to combating this harmful practice. Activists voiced relief, noting the potential for renewed efforts in the fight for women’s health and rights. With evidence supporting the detrimental effects of the procedure, the decision reflects changing societal attitudes towards female genital cutting.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
