The Gambian Parliament’s Stance on FGM/C
The Gambian Parliament recently made headlines by rejecting a bill aimed at repealing the ban on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). This decision has significant ramifications for the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act, which originally criminalised the practice. The parliamentary vote has sparked intense debate across the country, with supporters of the ban praising the decision and opponents expressing disappointment.
The rejection of the repeal bill means that the 2015 Act remains in force, maintaining the legal prohibition of FGM/C in The Gambia. This outcome has been met with relief by many human rights organisations and women’s advocacy groups, who view the practice as a violation of fundamental rights and a threat to women’s health.
Public reaction to the parliamentary decision has been mixed. Whilst many urban dwellers and educated Gambians have welcomed the continued ban, some rural communities and traditionalists have voiced their dissatisfaction. The political landscape has also been affected, with various parties taking stances on the issue that could influence future elections and policy-making.
FGM/C in The Gambian Context
To fully grasp the significance of this parliamentary decision, it’s crucial to understand the prevalence and nature of FGM/C in The Gambia. According to recent surveys, approximately 76% of women and girls in the country have undergone some form of genital cutting. This high rate underscores the deeply entrenched nature of the practice in Gambian society.
The age at which girls typically undergo FGM/C varies, but it often occurs before the age of five. However, there are regional variations, with some areas performing the procedure on older girls or even young women. These differences reflect the diverse cultural practices across The Gambia’s ethnic groups.
The health consequences of FGM/C are severe and wide-ranging. They include immediate risks such as excessive bleeding and infection, as well as long-term issues like chronic pain, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma. These health concerns, coupled with the violation of bodily autonomy, form the basis of human rights arguments against the practice.
Civil Society’s Crucial Role
Local advocacy groups have played a pivotal role in the fight against FGM/C in The Gambia. Organisations such as the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) have been at the forefront of efforts to educate communities about the harmful effects of the practice and to promote alternative rites of passage.
International organisations have also lent their support to the cause. UNICEF, for example, has worked closely with the Gambian government and local partners to implement programmes aimed at ending FGM/C. These collaborations have been instrumental in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions.
The strategies employed by civil society groups to influence the parliamentary decision were multifaceted. They included grassroots awareness campaigns, lobbying of parliamentarians, and the use of media to disseminate information about the harmful effects of FGM/C. These efforts were crucial in maintaining support for the ban amongst lawmakers and the public.
Legal Framework and Its Challenges
The Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015 contains several key provisions related to FGM/C. It criminalises the practice, setting out penalties for those who perform, procure, or aid in the performance of FGM/C. The Act also provides for protection and support for victims and witnesses.
However, implementing the law has proven challenging. Cultural sensitivities, lack of resources for enforcement, and the secretive nature of the practice have all contributed to difficulties in prosecuting offenders. Moreover, there has been resistance from some communities who view the law as an infringement on their cultural rights.
Despite these challenges, there have been some successful prosecutions under the Act. These cases have set important precedents and sent a strong message about the government’s commitment to ending FGM/C. However, the number of prosecutions remains low compared to the prevalence of the practice, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Addressing the Root Causes
To effectively combat FGM/C, it’s essential to address the root causes that perpetuate the practice. Cultural and social factors play a significant role, with many communities viewing FGM/C as a necessary rite of passage or a means of preserving chastity and family honour. Changing these deeply held beliefs requires sensitive and sustained engagement with community leaders and elders.
Economic considerations also come into play. For many traditional practitioners, performing FGM/C is a source of income and social status. Efforts to end the practice must therefore include alternative livelihood programmes for these individuals.
Educational initiatives and awareness campaigns have proven effective in changing attitudes towards FGM/C. These programmes focus on dispelling myths about the practice, highlighting its health risks, and promoting alternative ways of marking important life stages. Engaging men and boys in these efforts is crucial, as they often hold decision-making power within families and communities.
The Gambia’s International Commitments
The Gambia is a signatory to several international conventions and treaties that obligate the country to take action against harmful practices like FGM/C. These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
As part of its international commitments, The Gambia is required to regularly report on its progress in combating FGM/C. These reports provide valuable insights into the country’s efforts and challenges, and they serve as a basis for recommendations from international bodies.
Compared to other African nations, The Gambia’s approach to FGM/C has been relatively progressive. Whilst some countries in the region have struggled to enact or enforce bans, The Gambia’s legal framework and sustained efforts to combat the practice have been noteworthy. However, there is still much work to be done to bring prevalence rates down to the levels seen in countries that have made the most progress in this area.
Charting the Path Forward
With the parliamentary decision to maintain the ban on FGM/C, attention now turns to strengthening enforcement mechanisms. This will likely involve increased training for law enforcement officers, judges, and health professionals, as well as the allocation of more resources to investigate and prosecute cases of FGM/C.
Engaging community leaders and religious figures will be crucial in changing attitudes at the grassroots level. Many people look to these influential individuals for guidance on social and cultural matters, making their support invaluable in the fight against FGM/C.
Developing comprehensive support for survivors of FGM/C is another key area for focus. This includes providing medical care for those suffering from complications, as well as psychological support and social reintegration programmes for women and girls who have been ostracised for refusing to undergo the procedure.
Navigating Tradition and Human Rights
The ongoing debate surrounding FGM/C in The Gambia highlights the complex interplay between traditional practices and human rights. Whilst some argue that the ban infringes on cultural rights, others maintain that the protection of women’s health and bodily autonomy must take precedence.
The long-term impacts of maintaining the ban are likely to be significant. As enforcement improves and awareness grows, it’s hoped that prevalence rates will decline, leading to improved health outcomes for women and girls. However, this process is likely to be gradual and may face continued resistance from some quarters.
Finally, the role of men in supporting women’s rights cannot be overstated. Engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against FGM/C is crucial for creating lasting change. By challenging traditional gender roles and promoting equality, men can play a vital part in ending this harmful practice and promoting the wellbeing of women and girls in The Gambia.
