Gambia Upholds Ban on Female Genital Mutilation, Thwarting Decriminalization Efforts

In a landmark victory for human rights and the protection of women and girls, Gambia's parliament has resoundingly upheld the nation's ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The decision, reached after months of heated debate and intense international pressure, maintains the integrity of the 2015 law criminalizing FGM, safeguarding against potential regression in the fight against this form of gender-based violence.

The Women's (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced by MP Almameh Gibba, faced widespread condemnation from rights groups and advocates worldwide. Initially passing a second reading in March with only five out of 53 lawmakers voting against it, the bill stirred fears that Gambia might become the first country to reverse a ban on FGM, dealing a severe blow to global efforts to eradicate the practice.

The bill argued for labeling "female circumcision" as a deeply rooted cultural and religious practice, a claim vehemently refuted by anti-FGM campaigners and international rights organizations. They argue that FGM constitutes a harmful violation against women and girls, devoid of medical or religious justification.

As the bill approached its third and final reading on July 24, tensions escalated within the Gambian parliament. Lawmakers voted on each clause, demonstrating remarkable unity and resolve. Each provision was struck down, prompting National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta to declare the bill rejected and the legislative process exhausted.

In a symbolic moment, the sound of table banging echoed through the packed parliamentary chamber as MPs celebrated the rejection of each clause, marking a decisive victory for women's and girls' rights in Gambia.

"The [National] Assembly cannot engage in such a futile exercise as allowing the bill to proceed to a third reading," Jatta declared, effectively halting the controversial legislation.

The decision to uphold the 2015 ban on FGM, which imposes up to three years in prison for offenders, underscores the relentless efforts of activists, civil society organizations, and the global community in raising awareness about FGM's harmful effects and advocating for women's and girls' rights.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long denounced FGM, citing its lack of health benefits and potential for severe complications such as excessive bleeding, shock, psychological trauma, and even death. FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, causing long-term health risks including infections, infertility, and childbirth complications.

Despite being a Muslim-majority country in West Africa, Gambia exhibits one of the highest global rates of FGM, affecting 73 percent of women and girls aged 15 to 49 according to 2024 UNICEF data. A UN report from March highlighted that over 230 million females worldwide are survivors of the practice, emphasizing the urgency of ending FGM globally.

As the dust settles on this hard-fought battle, Gambia's decision to uphold the ban on FGM sends a powerful message—that women's and girls' rights must be protected at all costs, and that harmful cultural practices rooted in gender discrimination have no place in a just and equitable society.

While challenges persist, this victory stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating that progress is achievable through unified efforts by communities, governments, and the international community in pursuit of human rights and gender equality.