By Awa Sowe
As the world marked International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, survivors, activists, government officials, and health professionals in The Gambia and beyond are intensifying calls to end the harmful traditional practice that continues to affect millions of girls globally.
FGM, the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non medical reasons remains one of the gravest forms of gender based violence and a serious violation of human rights. The United Nations estimates that more than 200 million women and girls worldwide have endured FGM, often at a very young age and without their consent.
In The Gambia, FGM has been illegal since the passage of the Women’s (Amendment) Act in 2015, which strengthened the original Women’s Act by explicitly defining and criminalizing the practice. Under Section 32A (2) of the law, anyone who performs FGM can be punished with up to three years in prison, a fine of 50,000 dalasi, or both. In cases where FGM results in the death of the victim, the law prescribes a life sentence for the perpetrator. The law also holds accomplices accountable: those who request, incite, or promote the practice face similar penalties, and anyone who fails to report an FGM act can be fined 10,000 dalasi.
Despite this legal framework, enforcement has been limited, with only a handful of prosecutions since the law came into force most notably the first convictions in 2023, which sparked intense public debate about the ban’s place in Gambian society.
“The Pain Never Really Goes Away”
For 28 year old Mariama, the memory of undergoing FGM at the age of seven still lingers.
“I didn’t understand what was happening. I was told it was a celebration and that I would become a respected girl,” she recalled. “Instead, it became one of the most painful and traumatic moments of my life. The pain never really goes away physically and emotionally.”
Mariama explained that she suffered severe infections after the procedure and continues to experience complications during childbirth.
“I share my story because I don’t want my daughter or any other girl to go through what I experienced,” she said.
Survivor testimonies like Mariama’s have become powerful tools in community awareness campaigns, helping to challenge long held cultural beliefs and reinforce the importance of adhering to the law.
Health Experts Highlight Lasting Consequences
Health professionals warn that FGM has no medical benefits and can cause lifelong complications.A senior midwife with over a decade of experience caring for FGM survivors stressed the persistent health burdens women face.
“We see women experiencing severe childbirth complications, chronic infections, and psychological trauma,” she explained. “Some women live with these conditions for years before seeking medical help.”
She emphasized that community education, support services, and stronger enforcement of the law are essential to protect girls and women alike.
Government and NGO Voices on Enforcement and Awareness
Government leadership has reiterated its commitment to ending FGM and enforcing the law. At a recent observance of Zero Tolerance Day, a Ministry of Gender official reaffirmed that the government “stands firm in implementing laws that protect girls and women from harmful practices,” and called for broader community participation in ending FGM.
Echoing this, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF issued a joint statement urging enhanced collaboration among government, civil society organizations, and communities to accelerate efforts to eradicate FGM. “Now more than ever, we must listen to and support survivors while investing in policies and programmes that champion their wellbeing,” the statement said, emphasizing the need to “strengthen legal frameworks to protect girls and women.”
Prominent local NGOs have also been vocal. Jaha Dukureh, an internationally recognized anti FGM campaigner, has called on authorities to fully implement existing laws and expand education efforts. “If a girl is mutilated, she might be infected or have problems when giving birth,” she told national media during a recent commemoration.
Breaking Cultural Silence & Mobilizing Youth
Community activists emphasize that addressing FGM requires open dialogue and engagement with traditional and religious leaders. Fatou Jallow, a women’s rights advocate, pointed out that harmful cultural myths continue to sustain the practice despite its illegality.
“Many communities believe FGM preserves purity or prepares girls for marriage, but these beliefs are not supported by religion or science,” she said. “The law matters, but real change happens when communities reject the practice themselves.”
Youth engagement, supported by national gender policies and civil society groups, is also helping shift attitudes across generations.
The 2026 commemoration comes as global stakeholders push to eliminate FGM by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. In The Gambia, the day renews focus on enforcing the Women’s (Amendment) Act, strengthening child protection systems, and aligning national efforts with international human rights commitments.
Zero Tolerance Day: Survivors Lead the Call to End Female Genital Mutilation
