Gambian mothers fear for their daughters as court weighs FGM ban
Summary
The Gambia’s Supreme Court is about to decide whether to uphold or change the country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). Many mothers fear that if the ban is weakened, their daughters could face the same harmful practice they endured.Key Facts
- The Gambia banned FGM in 2015 with laws punishing the practice, including prison sentences up to life if it causes death.
- Despite the ban, some girls are still secretly subjected to FGM.
- A recent case involves a three-month-old baby who died after a secret FGM procedure near the capital, Banjul.
- Mothers who survived FGM are worried their daughters may be at risk if the Supreme Court weakens the ban.
- Some mothers have reported cases of FGM to the police but were told it was a “family matter,” showing low legal support.
- The court case is creating debate about culture, religion, and women’s rights in The Gambia.
- Parliament rejected a proposal in 2024 to repeal the FGM ban, keeping it law for now.
- Mothers express deep trauma from their experiences and strong determination to protect their daughters.
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