In a major win for women's rights after a protracted struggle, the Gambia's National Assembly voted to uphold the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), reaffirming the country's commitment to defending the rights and well-being of girls and women. This move has received widespread support from international human rights and gender equality organisations. 

Top officials from UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UN Women, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights praised the decision to preserve the ban, first enacted in the Women's (Amendment) Act of 2015, in a joint statement. "Following the vote today by the National Assembly of The Gambia, we commend the country's decision to uphold the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reaffirming its commitments to human rights, gender equality, and protecting the health and well-being of girls and women," according to a statement. 

Newborns and young girls most commonly undergo FGM, which involves cutting or removing part or all of the external female genitalia. It has significant immediate and long-term repercussions, including infections, problems during labour, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The practice has received widespread condemnation for its negative effects on physical and psychological health. 

The Gambia's legal measure is a big step forward in the long-running fight to end FGM. The Women's (Amendment) Act of 2015 was a watershed moment that resulted from intensive activism, community engagement, and education intended to end this damaging practice. Maintaining these legal provisions is consistent with The Gambia's international and regional commitments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). 

The UN officials' joint statement appreciated the work of different grassroots initiatives. "In addition to recognising this critical decision by the national parliament, we commend the tireless efforts of survivors, activists, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups working to end FGM," they reported. "Upholding the ban supports these grassroots initiatives, which are pivotal in ending all forms of violence against girls and women, including harmful practices, and delivering a safer and healthier future for girls and women in The Gambia and elsewhere."

The struggle against FGM is far from over, with over 73% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in The Gambia having previously had the procedure performed, many before their fifth birthday. This startling statistic emphasises the importance of ongoing campaigning and community engagement. "Recent months have emphasised the need for continued advocacy to advance gender equality, end violence against girls and women, and secure the gains made to accelerate progress to end FGM," according to the press release. "It also emphasises the importance of engaging with communities and grassroots organisations, working with traditional, political, and religious leaders, training health workers, and effectively raising awareness about the harms caused by the practice."

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M'jid, both hailed the move on social media. "A huge victory for Gambia's women and girls. "Parliament has spoken for their rights by upholding the law prohibiting FGM," Mohammed posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

The UN officials finished their statement by pledging their full support for The Gambia's efforts to put an end to FGM. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Gambia's government, civil society, and communities in their battle against FGM. Together, we must not stop until all girls and women can live free of violence and harmful practices, and their rights, bodily integrity, and dignity are protected." 

Some communities strongly ingrain FGM into their cultural traditions, often viewing it as a rite of passage into womanhood and a necessity for marriage. People are acknowledging the practice as a serious violation of human rights, regardless of its cultural significance. Efforts to abolish FGM require questioning long-held ideas and behaviours; thus, education and community engagement are key components in the fight against this damaging custom.