GAMBIA

FGM in Gambia

In the Gambia, Female Genital mutilation (FGM), is a severe violation of human rights. Gambia is among the top 10 countries, with the highest levels of FGM, with a national prevalence of 75.7%, 44% of women aged 15 - 49 believe the practice should be continued. 95.7% of traditional practitioners, many of them being women, perform most of the FGM cases in Gambia. This has led to deaths in some cases as well as short-term and long-term mortality in many more instances. In 2020, Gambia DHS data showed a slight decrease in FGM, 73% of girls and women (15-49) have survived FGM compared to 75% in 2013. However, the percentage of girls and women ages 10 to 19 who experience FGM has not changed significantly.

FGM is slightly more common in Urban areas than in rural areas. There is no relationship between FGM and women's education in Gambia.

The most rural region of Gambia, Basse, has the highest prevalence (95%) of women (ages 15-49); Banjul, the most urbanised area, has the lowest prevalence (48.8%).

The Sarahulis practice Type I cutting on their girls from the age of one week after birth (story of Jaha who later advocated for the ban of FGM in the country- https://youtu.be/MAQldouaOLE?feature=shared ). The Bambaras practice Type III cutting with girls ages 10-15 years. 

The Fulas practise a different method of Type III, which they describe as ‘vaginal sealing’ (the removal of the clitoris and labia minora, followed by sealing the vaginal opening with blood clots and herbal powder, leaving only an opening as small as the diameter of a match stick for urination and menstruation). After the procedure, the girl’s legs are forced tightly together for roughly 40 days during healing to allow the raw vaginal tissues to fuse. They also practise Type IV cutting. 

Before the ages of 5, 54.8%  of women attested to having undergone Cutting and 28.1% to experiencing it at ages 5-9. ‘Cut, flesh removed’, is the most common type of FGM practiced.

FGM is often seen as a ritual or passage for young girls, helping them to transition to womanhood and get prepared for marriage. They believe that the practice puts a curb on sexual desires for girls and ensures they have their virginity intact when they marry.

The Gambia primarily practices Type I FGM; involving the partial or total removal of the clitoris, the most sensitive part of the female genitalia

Traditionally, FGM is performed by older women, often referred to as “Circumcisers” or a woman of the blacksmith's class who is believed to be gifted with knowledge of the occult traditionally carries out these procedures. Having limited medical training or understanding often leads to health risks during and after the procedure.A big party is usually held on their behalf to get girls excited about the process, however, if girls are persistent about avoiding it, they are pressured by family members or taken by the village women, who perform the procedure without consent.

 The use of razor blades is common among the traditional practitioners and at times health workers, fingernails have been reported to being used to pluck out the clitoris of babies in some parts of the country.

  • Communities like the Wolofs, Akus, Sereres and Manjangos, generally do not practice any forms of FGM. However, if a woman marries a member of an ethnic group that engages in this practice, she may be forced to undergo the procedure before marriage. 

Religion

While no major religion mandated FGM, some misinterpret religious books to support the practice. There is a misguided notion that FGM enhances a family’s honour and increases a girl’s marriageability (brideprice).

Law 

The fight against FGM in The Gambia has seen both progress and setbacks. In a significant advancement, The Gambia passed the Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015, outlawing FGM and making it punishable by law, which was celebrated by human rights advocates as a step towards protecting girls. However, in a turn of events in March 2024, there was an introduction of a bill proposing to repeal the 2015 ban.

Despite the proposed repeal, there are positive signs within The Gambia. The younger generation questions the practice due to growing awareness of harmful effects. The future of FGM in The Gambia remains uncertain. The proposed repeal of the ban presents a significant challenge, but it is also an opportunity for continued dialogue and advocacy.

SOURCES

https://apnews.com/article/gambia-female-genital-cutting-7ab84af16d6b986025dd344d615bfe19 

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/04/19/gambia-bill-threatens-female-genital-mutilation-ban 

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