All articles tagged with #female genital cutting
Gambia's lawmakers have upheld a ban on female genital cutting, rejecting a bill that would have made it the first country to reverse such a ban. The decision follows intense debate and activism highlighting the severe health risks and human rights violations associated with the practice. Despite the ban, enforcement has been weak, and the practice remains prevalent in the country.
Gambia's National Assembly has rejected a bill to repeal the ban on female genital cutting, a significant win for women's rights advocates after a year of intense debate. The decision follows a major education campaign by activists, doctors, and survivors highlighting the practice's harmful effects. Despite opposition from some religious leaders, the ban remains in place, preserving protections established in 2015.
Gambia's National Assembly has voted to advance a bill that would overturn the ban on female genital cutting, potentially making it the first nation in the world to roll back such a protection. The decision has sparked a national dialogue about religion, culture, patriarchy, and reproductive health, with many survivors and activists opposing the move, citing the physical and emotional harm caused by the practice. The bill's proponents argue that it upholds religious rights and cultural norms, setting the stage for months of national dialogue and possible amendments before a final vote.
Lawmakers in Gambia have sent for further committee discussions a bill that seeks to reverse the 2015 ban on female genital cutting, a practice often performed on girls under age 5. Activists fear that lifting the ban would undermine years of work to protect girls and women, and worry that other laws safeguarding women’s rights could be repealed next. The bill is backed by religious conservatives and aims to uphold religious purity and safeguard cultural norms and values, but opponents argue that the practice causes harm and has no benefit. If the bill eventually passes through parliament, President Adama Barrow is expected to sign it into law.
Lawmakers in Gambia are set to vote on repealing a 2015 ban on female genital cutting, potentially becoming the first nation to roll back protections against the practice. Critics fear that overturning the ban could set a dangerous precedent and undo decades of work to end female genital cutting, which is deeply rooted in cultural and traditional beliefs. If the bill passes, it may open the door for other countries to take similar action, sparking concerns about the potential erosion of laws protecting women and girls.
Lawmakers in Gambia are set to vote on repealing a 2015 ban on female genital cutting, a practice that has been linked to serious health risks and is incorrectly believed to control women's sexuality. The bill is backed by religious conservatives and has sparked protests from activists who fear it could lead to the erosion of other laws safeguarding women's rights. The procedure, also known as female genital mutilation, remains a widespread practice in parts of Africa, despite being banned in over 80 countries.
According to a new analysis by UNICEF, over 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone female genital cutting, with the practice increasing by 30 million since 2016. While some countries have seen a decline in the practice due to campaigns and changing attitudes, it remains prevalent in regions with high population growth rates. In order to meet the United Nations' goal of eliminating female genital cutting by 2030, progress would need to occur 27 times faster than the current rate.