Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – In a concerted effort to create a safer environment for children and to protect them from violence, abuse, and exploitation, ChildFund Gambia recently hosted a critical convergence focused on addressing violence against children, with a particular emphasis on female genital mutilation (FGM).

The meeting, held at the ChildFund conference hall, brought together a diverse group of professionals and stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, midwives, members of the Medical and Dental Council, female lawyers, and other advocates. The primary objective of this gathering was to foster collaboration, strategize, and issue powerful statements against FGM and other forms of violence affecting children.

The event featured a series of presentations addressing the various types and prevalence of abuse and violence against children. Topics included the forms of abuse, global and local statistics on FGM, guiding principles of children’s rights, and a panel discussion on multidisciplinary approaches to tackling violence and FGM. The need for medical and psychological support for survivors of FGM was also highlighted.

Speaking on behalf of the Country Director, Kabba M.J. Bojang, Child Protection Advocacy Specialist at ChildFund, emphasized that their organization is dedicated to working for and with children to protect and promote their rights and well-being. He stressed the importance of the convergence, noting that violence against children and FGM are deeply interconnected issues that require comprehensive and coordinated approaches to address effectively.

“Both forms of violence are severe human rights violations that disproportionately affect girls and young women,

often rooted in gender inequality and cultural practices,” Bojang explained. He further revealed that ChildFund, along with its three local partners—Foni Ding Ding, Saama Kairo, and Ding Ding Yiriwa—has conducted Community-Based Child Protection Mapping (CBCPM) in the Besse, Sanyang, and Burusa communities. The mapping revealed significant issues such as child marriage, FGM, and frequent road accidents involving children, all of which require concerted efforts to address.

Samba Keita, Business Development Specialist at ChildFund, also presented during the event, highlighting the pervasive nature of gender-based violence (GBV). He noted that while both women and men can be victims of GBV, women and girls are disproportionately affected, often at the hands of men. Keita underscored the psychological and physical impacts of such violence on children, reinforcing the need for continued advocacy and intervention.

Another key presentation was delivered by Fatou Jarra, Program Coordinator of GAMTROP, who focused on FGM, providing both global and local statistics. Jarra described FGM as a “barbaric act” that severely violates the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls. She stressed that FGM is deeply rooted in culture, but cultures are dynamic and can change, particularly when harmful practices are proven to be detrimental to health and well-being.

“FGM violates a person’s rights to health, security, and physical integrity, and the right to be free from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment,” Jarra stated. “In some cases, it even infringes on the right to life when the procedure results in death.” She added that FGM, typically performed on girls between infancy and age 15, is a violation of human rights and a ritual that involves the cutting or removal of the female clitoris.

The convergence served as a significant platform for stakeholders to renew their commitment to protecting children and eradicating FGM, highlighting the urgent need for sustained efforts and collaboration in this critical fight.