The Gambia National Assembly has made a controversial decision to revoke a ban on female genital cutting, sparking outrage and concern among human rights experts and women’s rights advocates. The vote, which saw 42 out of 47 lawmakers in favor of overturning the ban, has raised fears that other countries could follow suit.
Female genital cutting, a practice that involves removing the clitoris and labia minora of girls between the ages of 10 and 15, is deeply rooted in ideas of sexual purity, obedience, and control. The ban on cutting was initially put in place in 2015 but was not enforced until last year, when three practitioners were fined. However, influential imams in the Muslim-majority country have been leading calls to repeal the ban, arguing that cutting is a religious obligation and culturally important.
Opponents of cutting, including women’s rights campaigners, gathered outside Parliament in Banjul to protest the decision. However, they were met with barricades and prevented from entering, while supporters of cutting were allowed inside. The debate inside Parliament was heated, with lawmakers trading arguments for and against the ban.
If the bill passes the final stages and becomes law, Gambia will be the first nation globally to roll back protections against cutting. Critics warn that repealing the ban will have serious consequences for the health and well-being of women and girls in the country.
The decision to revoke the ban comes at a time when the global movement to end female genital cutting is gaining momentum. Despite campaigns to stop the practice, cutting is on the rise worldwide, with more than 230 million women and girls having undergone it, according to UNICEF.
Women’s rights activists in Gambia, like Fatou Baldeh, who has been a vocal opponent of cutting, are determined to continue fighting against the practice. They fear that if the ban is repealed, it will set a dangerous precedent and lead to further erosion of women’s rights in the country.
The debate over female genital cutting in Gambia highlights the complex intersection of culture, religion, and human rights. As the country grapples with this contentious issue, the world watches to see what the final outcome will be and what it will mean for the future of women and girls in Gambia.
