Distinguished Members of the National Assembly of the Gambia, I am writing to you this open letter with mixed feelings, a sense of urgency and deep concern regarding the private member bill to repeal the anti-FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) law in The Gambia. As a concerned citizen, who has a girl child deeply committed to the protection of human rights and the well-being of women and girls in our country, I urge you to reconsider any actions that would undermine the progress made in combating this harmful practice.
The last time I checked the Women’s Amendment Act 2015 (anti-FGM law), represents a significant milestone in our efforts to eradicate the practice of FGM and protect the rights and dignity of women and girls. One would agree that it sends a clear message that FGM is a violation of human rights, a harmful traditional practice, and a form of gender-based violence that has no place in the Gambia.
Members of parliament, please be informed that repealing this law would not only be a regressive step but also a betrayal of the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls in The Gambia. It could be noted that FGM has devastating psychological, physical, and emotional consequences for its victims, robbing them of their health, well-being, and dignity. Thus, I do not doubt that any effort to repeal the law would be turning a blind eye to the suffering of countless women and girls who continue to be subjected to this harmful practice.
Furthermore, repealing the anti-FGM law would undermine our international commitments and obligations under various human rights instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol. It would send a dangerous message that the rights and safety of women and girls are not a priority for the Barrow-led administration. While showing a sign of betrayal and trust to the Gambian women and girls whose last hope is in our soldiers.
Amidst this context, I implore you to heed the voices of activists, advocates, survivors, and civil society groups who have tirelessly campaigned to put an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It is crucial to uphold the integrity of our legal framework by preserving the anti-FGM law for the betterment of Gambia and the protection of our women and girls.
Members of parliament, let us stand together in our unwavering commitment to safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls in our society. I urge you to carefully consider the serious repercussions of repealing the anti-FGM law and to take a resolute stance against this harmful practice.
