FGM involves the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs
The FGM ban was introduced in the Gambia in 2015 and conviction carried three years in prison or a fine of 50,000 dalasi (61,000 Indian Rupees) or both.
The repeal bill was tabled in March 2024 by Almameh Gibba to “uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms and values”.
It was initially approved by most MPs, forcing human rights campaigners to intensify lobbying against the move. Finally defeated when 34 out of 53 lawmakers voted to maintain the 2015 ban.
A UN report from March indicated that more than 23 crore girls and women worldwide are survivors of this practice.
The Gambia, is among the top 10 countries with the highest rates of FGM, with 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 having undergone FGM.
News via: The Guardian
