The plaintiffs, including MP Almameh Gibba, argue that the ban violates religious freedoms. Gibba previously introduced a bill to parliament seeking to decriminalize FGM, but it was defeated. The current legal challenge comes after a tragic incident last year in which two infants died from complications related to FGM, highlighting the severe health risks associated with the practice.

FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in many parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. According to UNICEF, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries, primarily in Africa. In the Gambia, nearly 75% of women have been subjected to the practice, often during infancy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies FGM into four major types, all of which can cause severe health problems, including infections, chronic pain, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma. Despite international condemnation and efforts to eradicate the practice, FGM persists due to a complex interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors.

"This legal challenge is not just about the Gambia; it's a reflection of a global trend where women's rights are being questioned and eroded," said Fatou Baldeh, founder of the Gambian rights organization Women in Liberation Leadership. "We must stand firm against any attempts to legitimize this harmful practice."

The case in the Gambia is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing opposition to women's rights in various parts of the world. Activists point to restrictive abortion laws, limitations on women's participation in politics, and rising rates of gender-based violence as evidence of a concerted effort to undermine gender equality.

The supreme court case is scheduled to resume this month. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of women's rights in the Gambia and could potentially embolden efforts to challenge similar bans in other countries where FGM is practiced. International human rights organizations are closely monitoring the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of upholding the ban to protect the health and well-being of girls and women.