The Gambia’s parliament has rejected a controversial bill seeking to overturn the country’s 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM).
The decision comes after months of intense debate and international pressure.
The Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024, which aimed to decriminalize FGM, had sparked widespread concern among rights groups and international organizations.
However, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to uphold the existing ban, citing the harmful and violative nature of the practice.
The Gambia’s ban on FGM, enacted in 2015, punishes offenders with up to three years in prison.
The World Health Organization and UNICEF have commended the country’s stance, highlighting the severe health risks and zero health benefits associated with FGM.
This decision reinforces The Gambia’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of its women and girls, and sets a strong precedent for other countries to follow.
