By Awa Sowe
The president of Njaboute Foundation (NF) has admitted that although FGM/C is a deeply rooted cultural practice often confused with religion but pointed out that it has caused considerable health complications for women.
Mr Ebrima Bah was addressing over 50 participants during a sensitization session on the effects and legal implications of FGM/C for the communities of Busumbala and Old Yundum recently at a school.
It was organised by Njaboute Foundation which is currently involved in a series of community awareness initiatives such as sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), HIV/Aids and tuberculosis through Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC). The aim of the initiatives is to arm youths with the required knowledge on SRHR.
“The foundation is here to address health issues in the country and support the less privileged. FGM has no health benefits but only cause complications in the lives of women,” Mr Bah said.
He reminded that the former President passed a law in 2015 banning the practice but activists said people are still practicing it. He therefore called on all Gambians to join hands in the crusade against FGM/C but cautioned parents to desist from the practice.
Ms Isatou Bobo, the foundation’s administrator blamed the practice of FGM/C for causing pain and suffering to women.
“FGM/C causes profuse bleeding during labour which leads to hypovolemic shock, severe anaemia and even death if prompt, efficient and effective emergency care is not instituted,” she stated.
The legal officer of the foundation, Anna Mendy informed the gathering that although the practice has not been entirely abandoned but it remains a criminal offense under the laws of The Gambia. She cited various sections of the Women’s Act to back her argument.
“Anyone found guilty is liable to a mandatory jail term of three years, a fine of fifty thousand dalasis or both,” she warned.
She tasked participants to report any case of the practice to the police so that the due process of the law will be followed.
Participants were awarded various prizes at the end of the two-day convergence and the event was sponsored by MMK Gambia Finland Friendship Foundation.
