As The Gambia’s Supreme Court prepares to rule on the ban of female genital mutilation (FGM), many mothers are anxious about the potential weakening of legal protections for their daughters. Survivors of FGM, like Mariama Jabbie, express deep concerns that a ruling against the ban could lead to a resurgence of the practice, which has already been driven underground despite existing laws.
The current law, enacted in 2015, criminalises FGM and carries severe penalties, yet enforcement has been inconsistent. This has allowed the practice to persist, often in secret, with alarming reports of young girls being subjected to FGM without parental consent. The recent death of a baby following a clandestine procedure has heightened fears among mothers about the safety of their daughters.
Mothers like Binta Jawo and Sarjo Kambi highlight the trauma they endured and the lengths they go to protect their children. They worry that if the Supreme Court weakens the ban, families may feel increased pressure to conform to cultural practices that harm young girls. The stakes are high, as the ruling could either reinforce or dismantle the fragile progress made in protecting women’s rights in The Gambia.
This case is not just a legal matter; it touches on broader issues of culture, religion, and women’s rights. With a significant portion of Gambian women having undergone FGM, the outcome of this ruling could have lasting implications on societal attitudes towards the practice and the future of women’s rights in the country.
Source: Al Jazeera
