Gambian Lawmakers Vote to Advance Measure Revoking Ban on Female Genital Cutting
In a controversial move, Gambian lawmakers have voted to advance a measure that would revoke a ban on female genital cutting, raising fears among human rights experts and women’s rights campaigners. The vote, which took place in the Gambia National Assembly, saw 42 out of 47 members present voting to send the bill to overturn the ban to a committee for consideration before a final vote.
If the bill passes the final stages, Gambia will become the first nation globally to roll back protections against cutting. The practice, which usually involves removing the clitoris and labia minora of girls between the ages of 10 and 15, is deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs in the country.
The move to repeal the ban has sparked outrage among anti-cutting campaigners, who gathered outside Parliament in Banjul to protest the decision. However, police barricades prevented many from entering, while supporters of cutting were allowed inside, according to reports.
Opponents of the ban fear that if it is repealed, other laws protecting women and girls’ rights, such as those against child marriage, could also be at risk. The debate inside Parliament saw lawmakers trading arguments, with some arguing that cutting is a religious obligation, while others emphasized the importance of protecting women.
Female genital cutting is a widespread practice in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, despite being recognized internationally as a violation of human rights. The practice can lead to serious health issues and even death for those subjected to it.
The decision to repeal the ban comes after years of advocacy work to end cutting in Gambia. The country’s former dictator, Yahya Jammeh, banned the practice in 2015, but the law was not enforced until last year. Now, with the push to repeal the ban gaining momentum, opponents of cutting are gearing up for a fight to protect women and girls’ rights in the country.
The bill’s opponents, including prominent activist Fatou Baldeh, are determined to continue their efforts to end cutting and ensure the well-being of women and girls in Gambia. Despite facing online abuse and threats, they remain steadfast in their commitment to fighting against the repeal of the ban.
As the debate continues, the future of women’s rights in Gambia hangs in the balance, with the outcome of the final vote on the bill set to have far-reaching implications for the country and potentially set a dangerous precedent for other nations.
