Proposed Changes in The Gambia Threaten Ban on Female Genital Mutilation
The Gambia’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) since 2015 is under threat. Proposed changes before parliament could permit medicalised female genital cutting and allow it for consenting adults.
The Gambia may allow female genital mutilation again – another sign of a global trend eroding women’s rights. Photo for representation: iStock
The Gambia’s Progress in Gender Equality
The Gambia’s criminalisation of FGM in 2015 was a surprise, as it was not the first country in West Africa to do so. The ban was welcomed by human rights groups, although there was some dissent within the country. The former president, Yahya Jammeh, also implemented other progressive gender-related laws during his tenure, including the Domestic Violence Act 2013 and the Sexual Offences Act 2013. He also outlawed child marriages in 2016.
These reforms were significant for The Gambia’s international donor interests and helped improve the country’s democratic reputation. However, they also made it easier for the autocratic leader to get away with other excesses.
Religious Manipulation and Gender Norms
Jammeh used religion to manipulate beliefs and sentiments, particularly affecting girls and women. For example, he mandated that female government workers wear veils or headscarves when he declared The Gambia an Islamic state in 2016. In contrast, President Adama Barrow, Jammeh’s successor, has emphasized religious tolerance and refrained from employing religious symbolism.
Global Backlash Against Women’s Rights
The potential reversal of the FGM ban in The Gambia reflects a global trend of rolling back progress on gender equality. This trend includes attempts to limit women’s bodily choices, an increase in violence against women, and attacks on LGBTQI+ communities. It reflects a broader political climate of backlash against women’s rights and gender equality as a weapon in the reversal of democratic achievements.
Female Genital Mutilation in The Gambia
Female genital cutting is a deeply ingrained practice in The Gambia, driven by cultural beliefs and often performed by traditional healers. The most recent national survey shows that a large majority of Gambian women aged 15-49 years have undergone FGM. More alarming is the increase in the prevalence of FGM among girls under the age of 14. Numerous health risks associated with all types of the practice have been documented, including severe pain, bleeding, infections, complications during childbirth, and mental health disorders.
Reversal of Hard-Won Gains
The Gambia’s struggle with the FGM ban reflects a complex interplay between cultural norms, religious beliefs, and the fight for gender equality. The potential repeal of the ban poses a threat to the human rights of women and girls in The Gambia.
Satang Nabaneh, Director of Programs, University of Dayton
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible, and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives, and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
- Indicator: Prevalence of female genital mutilation
Explanation:
The article discusses the potential reversal of the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia. This issue is directly connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Specifically, Target 5.3 focuses on eliminating harmful practices such as FGM. The article mentions the prevalence of FGM in The Gambia, indicating the need for measurement and monitoring of this indicator to assess progress towards the target.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation | Prevalence of female genital mutilation |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: downtoearth.org.in
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
