The Women Leaders Network for Development has issued a passionate appeal to President Adama Barrow, expressing deep concern over a proposed Bill that seeks to repeal the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015 in The Gambia. This Act is a crucial piece of legislation that prohibits Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGMC), safeguarding the rights and well-being of girls and women in the country.

In a letter addressed to President Barrow, the Women Leaders Network highlighted the significance of the 2015 Act, which represents a collective commitment to empowering girls and women. The Act recognizes FGMC as a harmful practice that inflicts lasting physical and emotional trauma, depriving girls of their bodily autonomy and endangering their health. It is viewed as a crucial step towards creating a society where girls can thrive, free from violence and harmful traditional practices.

The letter also referenced The Gambia’s Children’s Act of 2005, which prioritizes “the best interest of the child.” FGMC poses a significant threat to the well-being of children, both physically and psychologically. Repealing the law that protects them would be a clear violation of this fundamental principle.

Furthermore, The Gambia is a signatory to several human rights treaties, including the CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, the CRC, and the ACRWC, which mandate the country to take all necessary actions to eradicate practices detrimental to the health and well-being of women and children. Repealing the anti-FGMC law would undermine these international and regional obligations, potentially damaging the country’s reputation on the world stage.

The Women Leaders Network urged President Barrow to definitively reject the Bill seeking to dismantle the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015. They also called on him to reaffirm his commitment to the existing law and intensify efforts to educate communities about the dangers of FGMC. Additionally, they encouraged him to champion the well-being of girls and women by ensuring their right to bodily autonomy and a life free from violence.

The Women Leaders Network emphasized that the eradication of FGMC is an ongoing struggle, and they stand firm alongside all those dedicated to protecting the health and rights of girls and women in The Gambia. They urged President Barrow to remain steadfast in upholding the 2015 Act, paving the way for a future free from this harmful practice.