Gamcotrap take Government to task on Outlawing FGM

Dr. Isatou Touray, prominent Women Rights Activist head Gamcotrap

One of the leading anti FGM organization in The Gambia has urged the government of the Gambia to do more in outlawing female genital cutting otherwise refer to as FGM in Gambia as the right organization prepared to celebrate international Zero Tolerance to FGM on Friday, 6^th February 2014.

A press statement issued by The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (Gamcotrap) on the eve of the celebration urges the Government of the Gambia to escalate the gains already made in the advocacy by enacting a specific law against FGM.

The statement further stated: “ This is a popular demand from the population who is aware of the negative effects of FGM on women’s health and well-being.  Therefore, the State, as the main duty bearer to the population, should take a lead in fulfilling its commitment and obligation to women and girls. The Gambia has committed itself to protecting women and girls from FGM, has signed, and ratified the relevant instruments and protocols to end FGM, yet there is still no specific law to protect the innocent girls from this gruesome practice.

February 6^th 2015 is yet another day celebrating an important event calling the attention of the whole world the aim to end violence against women and girl -children. The theme this year is “Mobilization and Involvement of Health Personnel to Accelerate Zero Tolerance for FGM.”

According to the news release, The theme is very relevant and important for the health sector to engage in the advocacy to end FGM and promote the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girl-children.

It reads: “ The celebration of Zero Tolerance Day is to highlight the issue of FGM and to create awareness among the public by engaging in constructive debates and panel discussions using the media. It is a day to reach out to the communities and facilitate dialogue and conversations about FGM and the rights of the girl-child.   It is in this light that GAMCOTRAP in partnership with One Billion Rising led by V-Day and Article 19 is localizing the global efforts to eliminate FGM in Brikama, West Coast Region.   500 women and young people who are exposed to the effects of FGM through the support of Save The Children will take part in the celebration. 

FGM is one of the most violent acts that is performed on girls and women, and since 1984, the advocacy to eliminate FGM in the Gambia has been progressing phenomenally. Circumcisers and their communities have been abandoning the practice and protecting their girl-children. The level of awareness is at its peak and the communities are aware of the effects of FGM on the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girl-children.

From 2007-2013, 128 circumcisers and 900 communities have abandoned the knife in different regions of the Gambia and this trend is escalating because of the advocacy work.

Circumcisers have created networks in different regions and are working closely with their communities to protect girls. In a bid to accelerate the abandonment of FGM, the advocacy is intensifying. In 2015, GAMCOTRAP, with support from the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme, will be celebrating 30 Circumcisers and 107 communities in the 3 Niamina Districts of Central River Region.  After three years of advocacy, the region has reached consensus to end FGM.

We take this opportunity to thank all the communities who are taking leadership to protect their children from FGM. We thank the Government of the Gambia signing and ratification of relevant instruments and protocol to protect girls from FGM as well as all the stakeholders, donors and international community for their support of the campaign to end FGM.”