Displaying items by tag: FGM

Gambian lawmakers have upheld the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), rejecting a bill which sought to decriminalise the practice, after months of heated debate and international pressure. The bill argued that female circumcision is a deep-rooted cultural and religious practice. Despite passing a second reading in March with minimal opposition, it faced a strong backlash from rights groups, who labeled FGM a harmful violation against women and girls. The 2015 ban penalises FGM, with up to three years in prison. On 15 July lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected each clause of the bill, and the Speaker halted its progress. FGM, which involves the removal or injury of female genitalia, can cause severe health issues, including infections, bleeding, and psychological problems. The Gambia has one of the highest FGM rates, with 73% of women aged 15 to 49 affected.

Radio 4 reported that police and border control are once again going to run Operation Limelight at major airports to prevent children being taken abroad for female genital mutilation (FGM) or arranged marriages. Officers will be speaking to airline and airport personnel to raise awareness, and advise what signs to look for on outbound flights to countries where FGM and child marriage are prevalent. In school holidays families take girls abroad. The girls believe they are going on a family holiday and are unaware of what is about to happen to them. Research shows that 90% of police, health and social care professionals have not received training around these issues and did not feel confident in managing the safeguarding aspect of FGM or how to address cultural sensitivity and barriers.