The World Bank’s Country Director, Keiko Miwa, has issued a call to action for the Gambian government to resist the repeal of the law criminalizing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the country.

On Monday, March 4th, 2024, Honorable Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly member representing Foni Kansala constituency, introduced the Women Amendment Bill 2024. This bill aims to revoke the prohibition on FGM in The Gambia.

Miwa highlighted that repealing the FGM law would represent a significant setback in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality. She called upon the Gambian government to take a firm stance against the repeal and urged all stakeholders, including civil society, community leaders, and international partners, to unite in support of retaining the legislation.

Miwa stressed that criminalizing FGM is crucial for protecting the health and rights of girls and women.

“We are very concerned that The National Assembly is engaged in discussion to repeal the women’s bill which includes a law criminalizing the practice of FGM.  Such a move will be significant step back in the fight for women in parliament and the protection of their fundamental rights. It is imperative that the government of the Gambia takes a clear and un-benevolence stance against the repeal of this vital piece of legislation. We call upon all actors, including civil society, community leaders and international partners to rally together and urged the legislators to uphold the women’s bill. The criminalization of FGM is a critical step in safeguarding the health and rights of girls or women,” she said.

Keiko Miwa, the World Bank Council Director, delivered these remarks at the International Women’s Day event in The Gambia.