Protecting Our Girls, Protecting Our Future
Dear President Barrow,
The Women Leaders Network for Development writes to you today with deep concern regarding the proposed Bill seeking to repeal the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015, a cornerstone legislation prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGMC) in The Gambia.
The 2015 Act stands as a testament to our collective commitment to empowering girls and women. It recognizes FGMC as a practice that inflicts lasting physical and emotional trauma, robbing girls of their bodily autonomy and jeopardizing their health. This law signifies a vital step towards building a society where girls can flourish, free from violence and harmful traditional practices. The Children’s Act of 2005 enshrines the principle of prioritizing “the best interest of the child.” FGMC undoubtedly poses a significant threat to a child’s well-being, both physically and psychologically. Repealing the law that safeguards them would be a blatant disregard for this fundamental tenet.
The Gambia proudly stands as a signatory to numerous human rights treaties, including the CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, the CRC, and the ACRWC. These instruments mandate The Gambia to undertake all necessary actions to eradicate practices detrimental to the health and well-being of women and children. A repeal of the anti-FGMC law would be a blatant violation of these international and regional obligations, jeopardizing our nation’s standing on the world stage.
In light of these compelling reasons, we urge you, President Barrow, to:
- Definitively reject the Bill seeking to dismantle the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015.
- Reaffirm your commitment to the existing law, intensifying efforts to educate communities about the dangers of FGMC.
- Champion the well-being of girls and women by ensuring their right to bodily autonomy and a life free from violence.
The eradication of FGMC is a continuous struggle. RFLD stands resolute alongside all those committed to protecting the health and rights of girls and women in The Gambia. We urge your leadership to remain steadfast in upholding the 2015 Act, paving the way for a future free from this harmful practice.
THE WOMEN LEADERS NETWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT – RÉSEAU DES FEMMES LEADERS POUR LE DÉVELOPPEMENT
