As The Gambia's Supreme Court prepares to rule on the country's ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) on July 7, 2026, mothers express deep concern for their daughters' safety. Survivors of FGM argue that the court's decision will be pivotal in determining whether their children are protected by law or left vulnerable to the same trauma they experienced.
In Wellingara, a lively village near the capital Banjul, young girls play joyfully, unaware of the legal battle unfolding that could shape their futures. Mariama Jabbie, a 28-year-old mother, reflects on her own experience of being cut at a young age. “Over my dead body will any of my daughters go through what I went through,” she states emphatically.
Survivors Speak Out on FGM's Lasting Impact
Mariama's fears are echoed by other mothers in Wellingara. Binta Jawo, 30, who also underwent FGM as a child, raises her seven-year-old daughter with the determination to shield her from this painful tradition. “It was very painful,” she recalls. “I cannot imagine allowing my daughter to go through something I know is harmful when I have the power to protect her.”
These mothers worry that the Supreme Court's ruling might weaken the existing legal protections for girls. “The ban has made a difference,” Binta notes, emphasizing that it has helped reduce the practice, even if it hasn't completely eradicated it.
The Legal Landscape Surrounding FGM in The Gambia
The case before The Gambia's Supreme Court has become a significant constitutional challenge, addressing issues of religion, culture, and women's rights. The 2015 law banning FGM criminalizes the practice, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison or life imprisonment in cases resulting in death. However, enforcement has been limited, allowing the continuation of FGM largely in secrecy.
- In 2023, the first convictions under the law occurred when three women were found guilty of performing FGM on eight girls.
- By 2024, only two cases had reached prosecution.
- In May, three women were acquitted in a high-profile case involving the death of a three-month-old baby.
Pressure to Repeal FGM Ban Despite Limited Enforcement
Despite the law's limited enforcement, pressure to repeal it persists. In early 2024, a lawmaker introduced a bill seeking to revoke the ban, sparking protests from women's rights organizations. Activists warn that reversing the law could undo years of progress in protecting girls from FGM.
The Gambia's Supreme Islamic Council supports the repeal, arguing that female genital cutting is a cultural and religious practice. However, human rights groups firmly oppose this perspective, stating that all forms of FGM are harmful and violate women's rights.
As the Supreme Court's ruling approaches, mothers like Sarjo Kambi, who experienced the trauma of FGM firsthand, are anxious about the potential loss of legal protection. “If girls are still being cut in secret despite the ban,” she warns, “what will happen if that protection disappears altogether?”
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
