The plaintiffs, including MP Almameh Gibba, argue that the ban violates religious freedoms. Gibba previously introduced a bill to parliament seeking to legalize FGM, but it was defeated. The current legal challenge comes after two infants in the Gambia died from complications related to FGM in the past year.
FGM, which involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where the practice is concentrated. While the prevalence of FGM has declined globally, progress has been uneven, and in some countries, rates remain stubbornly high.
In the Gambia, nearly 75% of women have been subjected to FGM, often during infancy. The practice is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and is sometimes seen as a rite of passage or a way to ensure a girl's marriageability. However, it can lead to severe health complications, including infections, chronic pain, difficulties in childbirth, and psychological trauma.
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 is essential to protect girls from harm and that overturning it would send a dangerous message. "This is not about religion; it's about the health and well-being of our girls," Baldeh said.
The case in the Gambia reflects a global tension between cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and international human rights standards. Similar debates are playing out in other countries where FGM is practiced, as activists and governments grapple with how to eliminate the practice while respecting cultural sensitivities. The Supreme Court's decision in the Gambia could have significant implications for the future of FGM prevention efforts in the country and beyond. The court case is scheduled to resume this month.
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