The Gambian parliament’s proposal to repeal the country’s anti-female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) law has sparked international condemnation. The Joining Forces West and Central African coalition strongly opposes this move, emphasizing the law’s crucial role in protecting the rights and health of girls and women.
Highlighting The Gambia’s international obligations under the African Union’s Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights, the coalition underscores the urgency of maintaining legal protections against FGM/C. With alarming statistics revealing high rates of FGM/C among Gambian women, the need for continued legislative action is clear.
FGM/C not only poses immediate health risks but also has long-term consequences, including increased mortality rates for newborns. The coalition warns that repealing the law would constitute a grave violation of girls and women’s rights, not only in The Gambia but across the region.
As stakeholders convene to address the issue, the Joining Forces Coalition calls for unity in condemning the repeal and safeguarding the progress made in combating FGM/C. With global solidarity, the coalition remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of every girl and woman in West and Central Africa.
