By: Binta Jaiteh
Oumie Jagne, Senior Programme Officer at Think Young Women (TYW), has warned that growing political and cultural pressures are threatening The Gambia’s progress in protecting girls and women from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).
In an exclusive interview with The Voice Newspaper, Jagne expressed deep concern over the weakening commitment to enforcing the 2015 FGM/C ban, describing the current environment as one of “inconsistent enforcement and rare prosecutions.”
“The Gambia has ratified international agreements like CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol. The laws are there, but implementation is where we continue to fall short,” Jagne said. “Cultural and social norms, shaped by patriarchal structures, continue to push girls into early marriage and restrict their rights.”
Jagne highlighted that cultural resistance to women’s leadership remains a significant barrier to achieving gender equality, especially for younger women. She noted that dismissive attitudes toward young women leaders reflect broader societal inequities that demand urgent cultural change.
“We cannot talk about legal reforms without tackling the societal mindset. True change requires shifting how our communities value women’s voices and leadership,” she added.
Think Young Women has been a key player in the defense of the FGM law and has contributed significantly to transitional justice efforts in the country. According to Jagne, the organization takes a multi-sectoral approach to addressing gender inequality in working across education, health, leadership, and cultural empowerment.
Through advocacy, mentorship, and data-driven programs, TYW has made significant strides., the organization has trained more than 2,200 young people on FGM/C and reached over 40,000 community members across the country. Their leadership and mentorship programs center on feminist principles, providing girls with the tools to become advocates and political leaders.
“We conduct political training that includes sessions with political party representatives to build young women’s confidence in leadership,” Jagne explained. “Our aim is to create sustainable, cross-generational networks that support women and girls, particularly in rural communities.”
However, despite these efforts, she expressed disappointment in the state’s failure to fully enforce existing laws. Only two FGM-related prosecutions have been recorded in 2024, a number Jagne described as “alarming and unacceptable.”
“The law is only as strong as its enforcement. When we fail to act, we send a message that these harmful practices are tolerated,” she said.
Jagne also pointed out that girls in rural areas continue to face disproportionate challenges, including a significantly higher rate of teenage pregnancy compared to their urban counterparts. Many of these girls drop out of school early, reinforcing cycles of poverty and disempowerment.
“Are our current laws and policies enough?” she asked. “The FGM ban and the Women’s Amendment Act are critical, but without action, they lose their impact.”
Looking ahead, Jagne said TYW will continue to scale up its efforts, with a focus on expanding gender-based violence advocacy, promoting sexual and reproductive health rights, and strengthening women’s participation in political and transitional justice processes.
“Our priority is to build a Gambia where girls and women are not only protected but also empowered to lead,” she concluded.
