Nairobi, Kenya – Gambia Parliament Reverses Ban on Female Genital Mutilation
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Introduction
Gambia’s parliament took a controversial step on Monday by voting to repeal its ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). This decision would make Gambia the first country to reverse a ban on this cultural and religious practice.
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Vote Outcome
Lawmakers voted 42-4 in favor of sending the bill to a committee for further review before it returns to parliament for a third reading.
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Concerns Raised
Amnesty International has expressed concerns that lifting the ban would set a dangerous precedent for women’s rights and could tarnish Gambia’s human rights record.
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Supporters’ Perspective
Supporters of the bill argue that the ban restricts their ability to fulfill a cultural and religious obligation.
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World Health Organization’s Stance
The World Health Organization has stated that female genital mutilation has no medical benefits.
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Legislator’s Statement
Lawmaker Almameh Gibba, who introduced the measure, defended the bill by emphasizing its alignment with ethnic, traditional, cultural, and religious beliefs of the majority of Gambian people.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – Reversing the ban on FGM may hinder progress towards achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The practice of FGM has been linked to serious health complications for women and girls.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The decision to repeal the ban could challenge the existing legal framework aimed at protecting women’s rights.
Conclusion
The repeal of the ban on female genital mutilation in Gambia has sparked controversy and raised concerns among various stakeholders. While some argue for cultural and religious freedom, others fear the negative impact on women’s rights and well-being. The decision ultimately rests with the parliamentary committee, which will further examine the bill before it undergoes a final reading in parliament.
## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article
### SDG 5: Gender Equality
### SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
## Specific Targets Identified in the Article
### Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
### Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
## Indicators to Measure Progress
### Indicator 5.3.1: Proportion of women aged 20-24 who were married or in a union before age 15 and before age 18
### Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease
## Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|—————————–|———————————————-|————————————————-|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices | Indicator 5.3.1: Proportion of women married before age 15 and 18 |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate from specified diseases |
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Fuente: voanews.com
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