CW: Discussion of FGM and violence against women
Since the National Assembly decision to reject the private member's bill that sought to repeal the ban on FGM in The Gambia, different perspectives on this topic have been shared across the country.
Former Women’s Bureau executive director Aja Binta Jammeh-Sidibeh in her reaction to the rejection of the pro-FGM/C bill told Missing Perspectives that its rejection was a guarantee of the safety of Gambian women and children. The former Women’s Bureau boss said that rights advocates in The Gambia have ultimately attained their goal of convincing lawmakers to uphold the anti-FGM law.
Jammeh-Sidibeh explained that activists invested huge resources and energy in the attainment of their goal of upholding the FGM/C ban in The Gambia.
“We have done everything possible and we put all our resources into making this a success,” she stated, adding that their efforts have "borne fruits" and describing the bill’s rejection as a huge success for activists.
“FGM does not affect only women and children. I am elated that [bill] is going to protect women, girls and men. This [FGM/C] is not only for women and girls. Some men suffer from marrying women who have been circumcised. So, this has to do with both genders,” Jammeh-Sidibeh highlighted.
Women’s rights activist, Fatou Baldeh, said that the legislative vote against the pro-FGM bill would result in more gains in the advocacy for the advancement of the rights of women and girls, expressing the hope that more women would be inspired to seek elective political positions, especially legislative roles.
She told Missing Perspectives that the next step after the rejection of the bill should be implementation.
“We all know that this law was passed in 2015 and it took eight years to secure a conviction, despite FGM being practised within our communities. We also need to amplify efforts, work and educate communities on the impacts of FGM on women, girls, and communities,” stated Baldeh.
A survivor, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I feel good about the rejection of the bill and I celebrated it as it’s a win for Gambian women, especially young girls who cannot make decisions for themselves. Also, for the women feeling [that they are] the owner of their body and making decisions of what should or should not happen to them.”
She expressed gratitude to the National Assembly members for the job well done despite the critics from the onsite.
A concerned citizen, who prefers to be anonymous, said: "The practice should be a choice, not a law, that would deprive people from their rights... also from their cultures that have been existing for decades without any complications."
Another victim said: “I was happy when I heard that the bill was rejected because I am a victim and I am also an activist, such news is what we always anticipate to hear. I recommend the government to implement and enforce the law.”
She suggested all women and girls within the community to engage in community policing and be vigilant. This, she said will also contribute in apprehending perpetrator – for them to face justice as the law states.
On the other hand, another concerned citizen Fatou Sarr said: “I have gone through FGM and I would not call myself a victim because then it will mean my parents victimised me.
"They did not lead me through that experience out of evil, rather a simple tradition, a culture, an act that symbolises African. We are losing ourselves to the Western cultures and this is not good. FGM does have its ill factors, but it strengthens the woman. It gives power to the woman. Have we taught of what No to FGM would bring to our society?” she asked.
"I hope to see our policy makers put in as much effort in fighting against corruption, injustice, under-development and poor living standards as they have put in fighting FGM," she added.
Another concerned citizen said the members failed the whole country with regards to the bill, adding that this is not what the people expected. “As for me, I will still go on with the practice because my great grandmothers practised the act with no health challenges.”
She said the National Assembly took their position and they will also take their position on the issue.
“If they like, let them arrest us all. This is a big blow to the Parliament and this shall remain a history forever. We won’t relent and we will not hesitate to face any law as far as the plight of the women and girls are concerned,” she vowed.
To Jarrol lawmaker Kebba Tumanding Sanneh, the decision to reject the pro-female circumcision bill should have been properly weighed as, according to him, many citizens “are currently not happy with the move and blamed the members for failing to consult their electorates before making such a decision”.
“Members of Parliament should follow the dictates of their people and not donors or the government,” Sanneh pointed out.
Overall, the decision to reject the bill has been welcomed by human rights groups both in The Gambia and around the world - and the focus will now shift to implementation and enforcement.