By: Alieu Ceesay
On Monday, July 15th, 2024, the National Assembly of The Gambia voted significantly on the proposed Women Amendment Bill. The Bill, which aimed to repeal the ban on female genital mutilation/circumcision, was met with great deliberation. After careful consideration, the National Assembly overwhelmingly voted against the Bill.
NAMs truncated the Bill at the consideration stage, which made its survival impossible.
Both supporters and opponents of the Female Genital Mutilation/ Circumcision were gathered at the parliament with their faiths squarely dependent on the lawmakers to determine the next steps.
The Women Amendment Bill (FGM) is one of the most talked-about bills in the Gambia after the Judicial Officers’ (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Bill, 2024 and the National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2024.
The speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, stated that this is the first time a bill has been overwhelmingly voted negative at a consideration stage.
He declared, “The Women Amendment Bill 2024 has gone through the consideration stage, and with all the clauses voted against, it is at this moment rejected.”
He said the Bill would not pass the third reading in his ruling.
The rejection of the Bill means that the 2015 Women Amendment Bill is still active– which criminalizes the practice of FGM in the country.
Jaha Dukureh, a survivor of FGM who stood against the Bill, expressed delight over the rejection of the Bill.
“I am deeply excited that the National Assembly did everything to keep this law in place. For the future of Gambian women and girls, we are willing to do everything. I am very happy and honored,” she rejoiced.
Last week, the joint Committee of the National Assembly submitted a report that recommended the ban of FGM in the Gambia.
Nancy Jallow, a feminist, told TAT that the Bill respects the rights of women and young girls.
She further emphasized the need to respect the law, saying that we will ensure that the law is fully implemented. She added that anybody they see on social media promoting FGM practice will make sure the full law is implemented upon the person.”
Imam Abdullah Fatty, a renowned Islamic scholar, is disappointed in the lawmakers of the Gambia, who voted against the proposed Bill to repeal FGM practice in the country.
He stated, “Let’s vote out all those (NAMs) who voted against this Bill and vote for those who will speak on our behalf.
This is not about politics; it is about our religion (Islamic).”
Imam Fatty further strongly challenged the claims of scientific and health implications of FGM.
Mariama Jaiteh, a mother, said despite the ban on FGM, she vows that her girl children and grandchildren will still undergo the practice.
She stated: “Our lawmakers betrayed us over money and sized our rights to culture and religion. We will continue the practice if they want to let them arrest or kill us, but we will practice it.”
“NAMs belittle us ( women), and no women should vote for those NAMs who voted against this bill,” said Birrkis Sillah.
