Gambian Women Fight to Keep FGM Ban in Supreme Court

When Gambian lawmakers tried to overturn a law protecting girls from harmful cutting practices last year, women's rights activists mobilized across the country and won. Now those same activists are taking their fight to the Supreme Court, where religious leaders claim the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation violates cultural freedom.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Nearly three-quarters of Gambian women and girls between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM, with most cut before age 5. The practice can cause deadly infections, complications during childbirth, chronic pain, and psychological trauma that lasts a lifetime.

But grassroots organizations like Women in Liberation and Leadership are standing firm. Led by survivors and community leaders, they're proving that change is possible even when facing intense pressure. Their 2024 victory in Parliament showed that when women unite, they can protect the next generation from harm.

Gambia's 2015 ban was a breakthrough for West Africa. The government didn't just outlaw the practice; they adopted a national strategy to eliminate it entirely by 2030. That commitment aligned Gambia with global health goals and positioned the small nation as a regional leader in protecting women's rights.

The World Health Organization is clear: there's no medical justification for FGM, and it's never safe regardless of who performs it. More than 230 million girls and women worldwide have survived the procedure, with 144 million of them living in Africa.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story remarkable isn't just the legal battle; it's the courage of ordinary Gambian women refusing to stay silent. Fatou Baleh, an FGM survivor and activist, continues speaking out despite harassment on social media. Women across the country are sharing their stories, mobilizing their communities, and demanding that their government keep its promises.

These activists aren't just fighting for themselves. They're part of a continental movement, backed by the African Union's recent Convention on Ending Violence Against Women. Their determination shows that progress, once achieved, doesn't disappear without a fight.

The Supreme Court's decision will determine whether Gambia's girls grow up protected or at risk. Thanks to brave activists who refuse to back down, those girls have champions willing to defend their right to health, safety, and a future free from harm.