Op-Ed by Emily Thompson

Gambia may be on the verge of becoming the first country in the world to roll back protections against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) that affects 234 million women and is on the rise, according to UNICEF.

Gambia’s Parliament is set to vote on July 24 on decriminalizing FGM in response to a campaign based on Islam, rejection of Western values, fake medical information, and general misinformation.

If the ban is overturned, thousands of young girls will face immediate danger of being subjected to this human rights violation.

A Gambian woman not having undergone FGM has long been considered an outcast – she is a “solima” in the local Mandinka language in Gambia, according to a Reuters report. People will deride her, complain she smells bad, refuse to eat her food, reject her as a friend, and refuse her as a wife.

Despite a 2015 ban, the practice continues clandestinely, driven by traditionalists and certain religious factions. The current debates and potential policy reversals threaten to undo years of progress. For many Gambian women, the ban symbolizes hope and a future where their daughters can live free from this form of violence. Reversing the ban would embolden those who perpetuate FGM and weaken the resolve of those fighting against it.

In the global offensive against women’s rights, marked by the crusade against abortion in the West and the pervasive impunity for sexual and gender violence, the battle taking place in Gambia stands out. This struggle is not only significant for the country itself but also holds profound implications for numerous other nations where FGM is deeply entrenched.

Gambia’s stance may set a precedent that can ripple through dozens of countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

FGM is an invasive and brutal practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is internationally recognized in Western countries as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, reflecting deep-rooted inequality between the sexes.

FGM is among the most egregious forms of violence against women, causing irreparable physical and psychological harm. It signifies the ultimate breach of trust and bodily integrity.

The practice is rooted in cultural, religious, and social factors within numerous communities mainly in Africa. Its prevalence is a testament to the control over women’s sexuality and autonomy, perpetuated under the guise of tradition and sometimes, misinterpreted religious dictates.

The battle in Gambia is symbolic and the implications extend far beyond its borders. If the ban on FGM in the country is lifted, it would send a dangerous message: that the protection of women and girls does not matter.

Countries observing Gambia’s policies might take cues, either bolstering their own efforts to combat FGM or, conversely, feeling justified in relaxing their stance. Therefore, Gambia’s stance is not just a national issue but a global one, capable of influencing international norms and the fate of millions of girls worldwide.

The international community, advocates, and governments must understand that if we fail to uphold the ban in Gambia, we are effectively stating that the most vulnerable will not be protected.

Many experts stress the importance of a multi-faceted approach to combat FGM.

Legislation is crucial, but it must be coupled with community engagement, education, and support for survivors. Governments and NGOs must work together to educate communities about the dangers of FGM, challenge the myths surrounding it, and provide economic and social alternatives for those who benefit from its perpetuation.

Gambia’s battle against FGM is a linchpin in the broader fight for women’s rights globally. The international community must get involved immediately and press Gambia to maintain the ban and reinforce measures to eradicate this harmful practice.

The stakes are high, and the message must be unequivocal: the rights and protection of women and girls are paramount, and the fight against FGM is a non-negotiable part of that commitment.

Image: Pixabay

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