A Monday vote could make Gambia the first country to repeal its ban on female genital cutting. Also referred to as female genital mutilation, or FGM, the procedure includes the partial or full removal of external genitalia. The practice has been on the rise worldwide in recent years despite moves to outlaw it.
According to a report from the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, earlier this month, around 30 million women globally have undergone the procedure in the past eight years. It largely takes place in Africa and some parts of Asia and the Middle East. The procedure often occurs between infancy and adolescence to control women's sexuality.
"If they succeed with this repeal, we know that they might come after the child marriage law and even the domestic violence law. This is not about religion but the cycle of controlling women and their bodies," she said. Lawmaker Almameh Gibba, who presented the repeal bill, argued the ban violates citizens' rights to practice their culture and religion.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Gambian Parliament Considers Lifting Ban on FGMAlthough the World Health Organisation has continuously warned of the serious health risks associated with FGM, many countries have struggled to end the practice. The Gambian parliament is now considering lifting a ban imposed in 2015 by the previous administration.
Read more »
Gambia: ‘Hypocrisy and double standards’ as lawmakers seek to decriminalise FGMActivists in The Gambia have accused politicians and their backers of hypocrisy and double standards over a proposal by parliament to decriminalise female genital mutilation.
Read more »
Gambian parliament in vote to lift ban on female genital mutilationGambian parliament in vote to lift ban on female genital mutilation
Read more »
Gambia Lawmakers Move Forward On Bill to Reverse FGM BanGambian lawmakers voted 42 in favor and four against to send the FGM ban reversal bill to a parliamentary committee. Activists warn that the bill will harm Gambia's human rights record and roll back years of progress.
Read more »
Amnesty International urges Gambia's parliament to vote against bill reversing ban on FGMAmnesty International's senior researcher expresses concern over the upcoming vote in Gambia's parliament on a bill to reverse the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), stating that it would set a dangerous precedent for women's rights and tarnish Gambia's human rights record. The organization urges parliament to vote against the bill and calls on the Gambian government to address the root causes of FGM and implement comprehensive policies for women and girls' empowerment.
Read more »
This life with Nthabi Nhlapo | Eager to vote but who to vote for is the questionThis life with Nthabi Nhlapo | Eager to vote but who to vote for is the question
Read more »