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Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa stand firmly on the principles of reproductive justice, which guarantees the bodily autonomy, rights, and dignity of all individuals, particularly women and girls. Therefore, we join and celebrate the Gambian Parliament's decision to uphold the ban on female genital mutilation, marking a substantial advancement in the pursuit of reproductive justice and the safeguarding of the rights of women and girls. This decisive action serves to emphasise the Gambia's dedication to the protection of the health, dignity, and autonomy of women and girls, who have historically been the most affected by this harmful and discriminatory practice.
This move is in line with Gambia’s obligations to the Maputo Protocol, which it ratified in 2005. Article 5 of the Maputo Protocol specifically lists FGM as a harmful practice and calls for the provision of targeted support services and creation of awareness campaigns informing the public on the dangers of this and other harmful practices.
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