Advocates Standing Outside The Parliament.
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Following the National Assembly’s decision to reject the Women Amendment Bill 2024, which aimed to lift the ban on FGM, we sought public reactions from activists, CSOs, and religious leaders.
While some religious leaders and members of the public, who still support the practice, expressed disappointment, activists and human rights advocates celebrated the decision as a victory for women’s and girls’ rights.
Fatou Njie from Kiang in the Lower River Region, stated she would continue practicing FGM despite the ban. She claimed the practice aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). “If I have a granddaughter today, I will cut her because it is a Sunnah to practice FGM/C,” she emphasized.
She cited religious teachings in support of her stance.
“We should challenge the lawmakers in court because we elected them to protect our rights as Muslim women. Their refusal is deeply disappointing, and the Muslim community will hold them accountable,” she emphasized.
Alassan Suwareh expressed disappointment in the Assembly’s decision, questioning the democratic principles behind banning practices that some communities still value as a choice.
“We advocate for making it a matter of free choice. Those who wish to practice it should be allowed to do so, and those who do not should be respected in their decision. But if they impose a ban now, I question where our democracy stands,” he said.
He stated that they can not do anything because parliament has done its ruling, and they are going to be law-abiding, saying, “But let them know that they have put Allah between them.”
For his part, Imam Abdoulie Fatty said that as the National members rejected the bill to repeal the Ban on FGM/C, they would go back to their communities to ask the voters to remove them their seats in the parliament.
“We are returning to our communities, the very people who elect National Assembly members, to remove them from Parliament. I am confident in our people’s strength. In 2026, those who opposed repealing this Bill, God willing, will not return to Parliament. We will replace them with individuals like Hon. Almameh Gibba, Hon. Amie Colley, Hon. Bakary Badjie, and Hon. Lamin Ceesay, and many capable young leaders who can fill these roles,” he said.
He urged all Muslims to vote against National Assembly Members who support maintaining the Ban on FGM/C.
“We are guided solely by our faith, not by any political allegiance or individual. If we entrust you with safeguarding our faith, and you fail to do so, we will hold you accountable.”
He also instructed his followers to refrain from insults and to reject violence, emphasizing the importance of preserving peace throughout the nation.
Fatou Baldeh, Founder of Women In Liberation and Leadership (WILL), emphasized the need for effective enforcement of existing laws against FGM, highlighting the slow progress in achieving convictions despite ongoing practices.
“It took 8 years after the law was enacted to have a conviction, despite FGM being carried out with impunity. This cannot happen moving forward,” she said.
She seized the chance to express gratitude to everyone who fought tirelessly, whether openly or behind the scenes.
Hon. Omar Cham, speaker of the National Youth Parliament, hailed the rejection of the bill as a historic victory for women and girls in The Gambia, underscoring the health risks associated with FGM and the importance of legislative protection.
“I am super proud of the National Assembly Members for upholding the ban on FGM, as this will create a clear path for the protection of women and girls against harmful traditional practices,” he said.
The decision has ignited passionate debates across the nation, reflecting deep-seated societal divisions on cultural practices versus human rights protections.