By Fatou Dahaba
As the debate in parliament continues over the potential repeal of a law that criminalizes female circumcision, women in the country’s Lower River Region are relentless in their determination never to subject their daughters to FGM. Some of them are steadfast in their efforts to shield the next generation from the damaging impact of the practice.
Mariatu Bah was only five years old when she underwent female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that rights groups condemn as a form of abuse.
Today, the 39-year-old from Sare Samba in the Kiang East District says she will save her daughter from the practice that scarred her, even if the ban is lifted.
Sharing her story, Mariatu narrates the pain and trauma FGM inflicted on her.
“I never knew I was sealed until the day I got married. My husband and I could not consummate our marriage because I was sealed. That was just the beginning. When we were in the marriage, I never felt the sweetness of my body because the most sensitive part was cut and thrown away.”
Gambia’s lawmakers last week recommended a ban on FGM in Gambia after thorough research and consultation with both Islamic scholars and health experts.
Mai Sanneh, a native of Pakalinding, vows to protect her granddaughters against FGM, adamantly refusing to subject them to the practice.
“All my daughters were cut because then I didn’t know the impact of the practice. Now that I know and am fully aware, none of my granddaughters will go through FGM as long as I’m alive.”
The practice has sparked widespread and controversial debate in both private and public spaces, with pro and anti-FGM advocates clashing over the repeal of legislation that punishes those who continue to practice it.
Yaya Jarjusey, Chief of Jarra West, urged lawmakers not to reverse the law that has the potential to risk the health of women and girls.
“Doctors said it Is harmful and has no medical benefits, so why must we continue debating on it? There is evidence from medical personnel that it’s not good. It is our right as men to protect women and girls from harm,’ the chief said.
Rights organizations argue that lifting the ban will undermine years of progress and risk damaging The Gambia’s human rights records.
“We will never accept it again. Our daughters and grandchildren will not be circumcised. This is our body, so we know how it feels better than anyone else. We will protect our girls from this harmful cultural practice,” said Aja Fatou Njie Fofana, Regional Coordinator of GAMCOTRAP in LRR.
Over the years, GAMCOTRAP has engaged and sensitized local communities to combat FGM even after the law was passed in 2015.
“We (women) are not talking about male circumcision, so why should men be talking about female circumcision? Why are they so interested in repealing the ban? Can’t they leave us to decide for ourselves? For far too long, we have been living with the consequences of FGM,” said Fatou Njie Fofana.
The government outlawed FGM in 2015 by amending the Women’s Act 2010 to prohibit female circumcision. The legal changes followed a campaign by civil society organizations and human rights groups, which had the backing of most Gambian women.
However, despite campaigns and advocacy, many Gambians still want the practice to continue, referring to the ban as violating citizens’ right to practice their religion and culture.
Munerr Janneh, Imam Ratib of Mansakonko, believes FGM is religious and should be practiced by those who want to do it. “FGM was happening during the time of the Prophet, and he never stopped circumcisers from doing the act but Instructed them to limit the cutting to avoid harming any child. So if we are to follow religion, FGM is part of Islam,” said Imam Janneh.
“I do switch off my radio anytime I hear them talking about FGM because it’s insulting. We, the women of this community, want the law to be repealed to allow us to practice our culture without fear or intimidation,” said Binta Ceesay, a native of Kiang Tankular in the Kiang West District.
According to her, the law should be flexible and allow those who want to practice their culture to do so.
Wontonding Camara, ‘Ngasingba’ of Pakalinding, is in a haste to pick back the knife she dropped years ago when the ban was introduced.
Wontonding did not drop the knife because the practice was harmful; she dropped it because the law criminalized it, and she had no choice.
“I will cut again if the law permits it. I’m doing it to earn something. I am doing it to follow my religion and culture but will never go against the law.”
Almameh Gibba introduced the proposed bill, arguing that the ban violates citizens’ rights to practice their culture and religion.
In 2015, the Gambian parliament passed the Women’s Amendment Act 2015, which criminalized FGM and made it punishable by up to three years in prison—a giant step after years of advocacy.
Commenting on the health complications of FGM, Kebba Daffeh, Regional Health Directorate in Mansakonko, said FGM has both short- and long-term complications. “Short-term complications include severe pain, excessive bleeding, and infection, while long-term complications include infertility, fistula, and sealing that can obstruct the flow of menstrual blood.”
He says this sometimes requires reopening the female organ for easy menstrual blood flow.
“The clitoris has so many benefits for women, especially during childbirth. Also, the scar makes the place constricted and does not allow the space for the baby to come out. So, we do a reopening to allow the baby to be delivered. But if the person cannot have access to those interventions on time, the woman can lose her life.”
Research shows that the practice of FGM has no health benefits for girls and women and causes severe bleeding, problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth, and increased risk of newborn deaths. The practice of FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
