On Monday, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Gender and Health recommended that The Gambia maintain the Women Amendment Act, 2015, which prohibits all forms of female circumcision, including genital mutilation or cutting.

In the First Ordinary Session of the 2024 Legislative Year, Honourable Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, introduced the Women’s (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during the Assembly’s convening on Monday, 4 March (2024).

Upon the bill’s second reading, it was referred to the Assembly Business Committee, which subsequently forwarded it to a Joint Committee of Health and Gender for meticulous review and analysis.

Hon. Amadou Camara, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, presented the report to the plenary. He stated that the committee, after conducting a comprehensive examination and consulting with a variety of experts, has recommend that the Women (Amendment) Act, 2015, be maintained in order to continue prohibiting female circumcision in all its forms in The Gambia.

“Ensure the Health and Well-Being of Women: The repeal of the moratorium on FM/C would violate the right to physical and mental well-being of women and girls and expose them to severe health risks. He stated that the practice of FM/C has been consistently associated with a variety of health complications, such as chronic pain, infections, obstetric risks, and psychological trauma.

Hon. Camara underscored the importance of maintaining the prohibition in order to protect the health and dignity of women and girls in The Gambia.

He asserted that the prohibition of FGM/C is necessary to advance gender equality and social development, as its practice perpetuates detrimental gender inequalities and discrimination against women and girls.

The Gambia can reaffirm its dedication to gender equality and foster social development by challenging detrimental cultural norms and practices by maintaining the ban.

Hon. Camara emphasised the importance of rejecting the repeal of the FGM/C prohibition in order to cultivate an inclusive society that is free from discrimination and violence.

“Legal support and protection should be available to girls and women who are at risk or have undergone FM/C.” This encompasses counselling, sanctuaries, and other forms of assistance. Continuing research and data collection are essential to comprehend the prevalence of FM/C, its impact on individuals and communities, and the efficacy of interventions designed to prevent and address it, he stated.

He emphasised that the committee has recommended a clear prohibition on any attempts to medicalize the practices of FGM/C. He observed, “The Gambia’s dedication to the abolition of discrimination and the promotion of gender equality is evidenced by its adherence to national, regional, and international conventions, including the Maputo Protocol, CEDAW, and CRC.”

“The practice of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FM/C) directly violates these commitments by infringing upon the fundamental right to health and causing severe physical and psychological harm to women and girls.” Permitting FM/C to persist undermines gender equality and perpetuates abuse and discrimination, which is in direct opposition to the principles established in the 1997 Constitution. He stated that the repeal of laws against FM/C would not only violate human rights but also impede community development and the nation’s advancement towards a more inclusive and equitable society.