Gambia’s attempt to make female genital mutilation (FGM) legal has failed.
Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protesters hold placards outside the National Assembly in Banjul on march 18, 2024. (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE / AFP)
FGM is a procedure that involves removing all or parts of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
The procedure is dangerous and has no health benefits, with some girls bleeding to death or dying from infections.
Girls sit in the yard at Kalas Girls Primary School, Amudat District, Karamoja, Uganda. (Photo by Sally Hayden/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
It can cause lifelong painful conditions such as problems urinating, cysts, infections and fatal childbirth complications, according to the United Nations.
FGM has been banned in Gambia since 2015, with prison sentences of up to three years.
A anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protester holds a placard outside the National Assembly in Banjul on march 18, 2024. (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE / AFP)
But in March, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new bill to reverse the ban.
Ex-female genital mutilation (FGM) cutter Monika Cheptilak, who stopped practicing after the country set anti-FGM law in 2010, shows a homemade tool from a nail used for FGM, during the meeting of anti-FGM women group in Alakas village. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images)Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protesters hold placards outside the National Assembly in Banjul on march 18, 2024. (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE / AFP)
The bill was proposed by a lawmaker who said it would help to “uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms and values”.
Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protesters hold placards outside the National Assembly in Banjul on march 18, 2024. (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE / AFP)
Around 76% of girls and women aged between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM in Gambia, according to UNICEF.
Oumie Sanneh, 42 (left), with her daughter Sirreh, 14, who was sexually abused by a Dutch sex tourist in the Gambian beach town of Kololi. via Getty Images
In addition, 3 out of 4 girls experience FGM before they are 6 years old.
Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protesters hold placards outside the National Assembly in Banjul on march 18, 2024. (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE / AFP)
But on Monday July 15, the majority of lawmakers voted to strike down the bill and uphold the ban.
Selina Wu
