The plaintiffs, including MP Almameh Gibba, argue that the ban infringes on religious and cultural freedoms. Gibba previously introduced a bill to parliament seeking to decriminalize FGM, which was ultimately rejected. The current legal challenge comes after a tragic incident last year in which two infants died from complications related to FGM.

FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, is a deeply rooted cultural practice in many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. According to UNICEF, it is estimated that over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM. In The Gambia, nearly 75% of women have been cut, often during infancy.

The practice is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, with long-term physical and psychological consequences for victims. The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned FGM, citing its lack of medical benefits and potential for severe health problems, including infections, chronic pain, and complications during childbirth.

Fatou Baldeh, founder of the Gambian rights organization Women in Liberation Leadership, sees the legal challenge as a setback for women's rights in the country. She argues that the ban on FGM is crucial for protecting girls and women from harm and promoting gender equality. Activists and lawyers globally have expressed concern that the case in The Gambia reflects a wider trend of anti-women's rights movements gaining momentum and undermining progress made in 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 influence similar debates in other countries where FGM remains prevalent. The proceedings are being closely watched by international human rights organizations and women's rights advocates around the world.