In a momentous victory for women’s rights activists, Gambia’s parliament has chosen to uphold a ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) that has been in place since 2015. The vote, which took place on March 18, 2024, confirmed the country’s commitment to safeguarding the health and dignity of its women and girls, despite a contentious debate that has gripped the nation for months.
The controversial Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024 aimed to decriminalize FGM, a practice affecting millions of girls across the globe. The bill sparked widespread protests, with hundreds of Gambians gathering outside the National Assembly in Banjul, demanding that the ban remain firm. Just four months earlier, the bill had passed its second reading with questionable support, leading many to fear that Gambia might become the first country to roll back protections against this harmful tradition.
Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, lawmakers decisively rejected the bill’s various clauses, including ones that would have removed prison sentences for those practicing FGM. Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta stopped the bill from advancing to a third reading, asserting that the “legislative process [had been] exhausted.” His words resonated with many who believe the fight against FGM has now been won, at least for the time being.
The subject of FGM has long divided this Muslim-majority nation, where cultural beliefs and religious teachings clash concerning the justification for female circumcision. Advocates for the practice view it as a deep-rooted cultural norm, while opponents highlight the brutal realities that accompany FGM.
Every year, approximately 2 million girls worldwide are subjected to FGM, resulting in numerous medical complications. The World Health Organization outlines that such procedures can lead not only to severe physical injuries but also psychological trauma. In Gambia, around 73 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone FGM, according to UNICEF data from 2024, placing the country among those with the highest rates globally.
While many lawmakers supported the effort to repeal the ban, vocal champions for women’s rights like activist Jaha Dukureh and fellow campaigners organized protests to ensure that the bill did not gain traction. At times, the debates grew heated, and threats against advocates were reported. Dukureh, who tragically lost her sister to complications arising from FGM, emphasized the importance of advocacy and education in combating the practice.
“Education is key,” she stated, expressing hope that Gambians increasingly recognize the significance of ending FGM. “We have to talk about this openly; it’s about women’s health.” There is an air of optimism, with the latest surveys indicating that 47 percent of Gambian women now oppose the continuation of FGM, a substantial increase from previous years.
As the dust settles following the parliamentary vote, the focus shifts to law enforcement and community education. Many activists, while relieved, recognize that protections on paper must translate into tangible changes within the communities, especially in deeply entrenched cultural practices. Sirreh Sho, a local activist, remarked, “The law is just words until it’s enforced. We need to keep fighting for our daughters.”
But resistance persists. Some religious leaders, including Imam Abdoulie Fatty, expressed their disappointment, declaring that efforts to practice FGM would continue regardless. He noted that “more than 95 percent” of Gambians are Muslim, framing the procedure as a religious obligation, despite claims from many Islamic scholars to the contrary. The schism between traditional beliefs and contemporary values represents a significant hurdle for advocates.
The careful balance of tradition, culture, and emerging human rights perspectives faces scrutiny not only from within Gambia but also from neighboring countries that are now observing how the situation unfolds. Nearby nations like Sierra Leone and Liberia are watching closely, contemplating the implications of Gambia’s decision for their own discussions surrounding FGM.
Regional rights coordinator Judy Gitau of the organization Equality Now emphasized, “The eyes of the world are on The Gambia.” She sees the outcome as a critical moment not just for Gambia but potentially influential for other nations considering similar legislative changes.
As the parliamentary session concluded and celebrations erupted outside the National Assembly, many Gambians celebrated with palpable joy, taking in the moment of triumph. Fatou Baldeh, a prominent activist and survivor of FGM, encapsulated the spirit of the day when she said, “I am relieved but sad that we had to be taken through this torment. I am so proud of Gambian women for their resilience.” Her words reflect the collective sigh of relief felt by those who have fought tirelessly against this deeply entrenched practice.
The battle against FGM is far from over, as activists recognize that merely preserving the ban does not equate to closing the book on this painful chapter in Gambian history. Rather, it opens up new avenues for dialogue and education, ensuring that the rights and lives of women and girls remain at the forefront of legislative discussions. A future without FGM in Gambia remains possible, but it will take ongoing collaboration and courage from those determined to make a difference.
