Gambia's Gender Equality Setback: A Global Concern
The Gambia’s Parliament recently took a step back in the global fight for gender equality by revoking its 2016 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), a move that poses significant implications beyond its borders. This alarming shift not only threatens the progress made in empowering women and girls in The Gambia but also risks inspiring similar regressive actions in other countries.
The ban's reversal is a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and discrimination. FGM, a dangerous and life-altering procedure, has long been condemned by global human rights organizations for its severe health implications and as a violation of women’s rights. This practice, which has no medical benefit and is not mandated by any religious doctrine, inflicts irreversible harm, including severe pain, infections, childbirth complications, and even death.
The decision by The Gambia’s lawmakers is a stark contrast to the global momentum towards eliminating FGM and other forms of gender inequality. It not only endangers the well-being of countless women and girls but also undermines efforts to combat other harmful practices like child marriage and domestic violence. The potential normalization of such regressions poses a direct threat to global gender justice and the achievement of gender equality worldwide.
In light of these developments, the role of activists and organizations dedicated to ending FGM becomes even more crucial. Figures like Jaha Dukureh, a survivor of FGM and founder of Safe Hands for Girls, exemplify the resilience and leadership necessary to challenge and overturn such regressive policies. Their efforts remind us of the importance of global solidarity and the need for unwavering commitment to defending human rights and gender equality.