Reacting to the rejection of a bill to repeal the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act which bans female genital mutilation (FGM), by Gambia’s parliament on 15 July, Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said:
Why is the rejection of the bill significant?
- The bill aimed at reversing the ban on FGM in Gambia was rejected.
- 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act criminalizes and sets out punishments for performing FGM.
- The attempt to repeal the law is seen as a warning sign.
What is the call to action?
Samira Daoud emphasized the importance of creating awareness around women’s rights and eradicating harmful practices like FGM.
What are the background statistics?
- Around 76% of girls and women between 15 and 49 years of age have undergone FGM in Gambia.
- Gambia is a signatory to international conventions protecting the rights of women and girls.
Amnesty International calls for a holistic approach by Gambian authorities to enforce laws against FGM and address root causes to empower women and girls.
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Source: www.amnesty.org