IPU welcomes Gambia’s decision to uphold female genital mutilation (FGM) ban
The Inter-Parliamentary Union welcomes the Parliament of Gambia’s recent vote to uphold a 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), rejecting a controversial bill seeking to reverse the law. On July 15 parliamentarians voted down the proposed law following months of public debate and advocacy efforts.
IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, who had been vocal in his opposition to any weakening of protections, expressed the importance of the ongoing ban for the welfare of women and girls around the world.
“Gambia has proven that there is no turning back where women’s and girls’ rights are concerned. We need to discourage anyone who might be tempted to unravel progress. Gambian parliamentarians, particularly Women MPs, spoke out against unbanning FGM at the risk of their physical integrity. We must acknowledge their immense courage.”
The IPU has been supporting efforts to end FGM for over 20 years. In 2009 the report, How to put an end to the practice of female genital mutilation? explored initiatives that could be taken by parliaments, international organizations and civil society. Most recently, the IPU supported participation of Gambian MPs from the Joint Committee on Health and Gender in a study tour in Cairo to explore the strategies, policies, and community practices that have effectively addressed FGM in Egypt. The delegation met various religious leaders and experts from Al Azhar University, the Egyptian National Council for Women, Members of parliament and civil society.
Gambia’s parliament conducted in-depth research in an inclusive and consultative process before taking Monday’s decision. The study tour aimed to understand Egypt’s strategies and legislative frameworks against FGM, learn from successful programs, observe community-based interventions, and study healthcare approaches to prevent and treat related complications. Discussions covered the scientific background of FGM, its medicalization, and ethical concerns, as well as the negative consequences of the practice. Religious perspectives clarified that FGM lacks a basis in Islam. Egyptian efforts to combat FGM were highlighted, emphasizing the crucial role of political leaders and parliamentarians in engaging communities and supporting the elimination of FGM.
The 2024 Women’s (Amendment) Bill sought to decriminalise the practice of FGM in The Gambia. Had the law passed on Monday, The Gambia would have become the first country to reverse a ban on the practice. Parliament’s rejection of the bill followed months of intense activism led by Gambian women, who faced threats and harassment. MPs voted against each of the bill’s clauses, prompting National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta to stop the bill moving forward to its final reading, in what he called an unprecedented rejection.
According to UNICEF, 73% percent of women and girls in the Gambia aged 15 to 49 have undergone female circumcision. The World Health Organization says FGM has no health benefits and can lead to excessive bleeding, shock, psychological problems and even death.
