The renewed call by the United Nations for sustained action against female genital mutilation (FGM) should serve as a moment of reflection for The Gambia. More than a decade after the criminalisation of the practice under the Women’s Amendment Act of 2015, the persistence of FGM reveals a troubling gap between legislation and lived reality.
FGM is not merely a cultural issue; it is fundamentally a human rights concern with far-reaching health, social and psychological consequences. Despite notable advocacy efforts and growing awareness, data from the 2019–2020 Demographic and Health Survey indicates that more than three-quarters of Gambian women aged 15 to 49 have undergone the practice. Even more alarming are projections suggesting that over 21,000 girls could be at risk in 2026 alone, a figure that could exceed 150,000 by 2030 if decisive preventive action is not taken.
These numbers highlight an uncomfortable truth: laws alone cannot transform deeply rooted social norms. While the government deserves recognition for enacting legislation banning FGM, enforcement remains inconsistent, and community-level change is progressing more slowly than hoped. Ending the practice requires sustained engagement with families, traditional leaders, religious authorities and grassroots organisations — the very actors who shape social attitudes and cultural expectations.
The United Nations is right to emphasise community-led solutions. Cultural practices evolve, and positive change is most effective when it emerges from within communities rather than being perceived as externally imposed. The growing involvement of traditional and religious leaders in advocating for abandonment signals progress, yet broader participation is needed to shift perceptions that continue to sustain the practice.
Equally important is the role of education and economic empowerment. Girls who remain in school and gain access to opportunities are better positioned to exercise agency over their health and future. Supporting mothers who resist social pressure to subject their daughters to FGM is also critical; without collective backing, individual choices often come at significant social cost.
Men and boys must also be included in the conversation. Transforming gender norms and challenging harmful expectations requires the engagement of all members of society, not only women and girls.
Ultimately, the fight against FGM is not a rejection of culture but an affirmation of dignity, safety and the wellbeing of future generations. The Gambia has taken important steps forward, but progress will depend on stronger enforcement of laws, sustained public education, expanded survivor support and genuine dialogue rooted in respect and shared values.
Ending FGM is achievable — but only if collective courage matches collective commitment.