Gambia anti-FGM activists warn that babies may still be targeted for genital cutting despite the existing ban on the practice.

Banjul, The Gambia – On an overcast morning in early August, the tragic story unfolded of a newborn girl with severe injuries who was brought urgently to the Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Banjul. Unfortunately, by the time medical staff could attend to her, the infant had succumbed to blood loss, a heart-wrenching loss rooted in the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is currently prohibited in The Gambia.

Authorities in The Gambia confirmed that the one-month-old girl died due to injuries associated with FGM, an act that has sent shockwaves through her community in Wellingara, located approximately 17 kilometers from the capital. In the aftermath of this incident, at least three women, including the child’s mother and the person who performed the procedure, were taken into custody.

The community has expressed its sorrow and concern about the ongoing underground nature of FGM, despite its prohibition. A neighbor shared her grief, emphasizing a troubling reality: the ritual continues in secrecy, often impacting infants, as older practices persist in some households. This case underscores the urgent need for ongoing education and advocacy to combat the deeply rooted cultural traditions surrounding FGM, which affects millions of women across Africa.

Globally, the World Health Organization and UN agencies estimate that over 144 million women have undergone FGM. The long-term physical and psychological impacts of these procedures include severe complications, such as infections and infertility. In The Gambia, FGM remains prevalent, with approximately three-quarters of women having undergone the procedure, despite the legal framework against it that was established in 2015.

The recent tragedy highlights the risks associated with these rituals and the significant challenges faced by authorities and activists in eradicating the practice. Notably, those involved in the cutting are subject to severe penalties under the anti-FGM law, facing years of imprisonment or, in instances resulting in death, even life sentences. However, cultural resistance to the ban remains potent.

Since the ban’s enactment, instances of FGM have reportedly shifted underground, with some communities opting to perform the procedure on infants to minimize detection. Advocates, including Fatou Baldeh of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), emphasize the critical nature of community education on the dangers of FGM, advocating for sustained efforts to change mindsets and support the rights of women and girls.

As discussions about the future of the FGM ban persist, community leaders and local politicians are striving to foster awareness and dialogue around this sensitive issue. Abdoulie Ceesay, a member of parliament from Wellingara, expressed his determination to work with local women leaders to combat harmful practices and educate communities about the dangers associated with FGM. The collaborative efforts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations aim to shed light on this pressing public health concern, ultimately striving for a future where the rights and health of women and girls are recognized and respected.

This situation in The Gambia serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural dynamics surrounding FGM and the continued need for education, dialogue, and advocacy to dismantle harmful traditions while fostering a brighter future for the next generation.

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