By Haddy Touray
The United Nations has called for renewed and sustained collective action to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia, describing the practice as a serious human rights concern that continues to affect thousands of women and girls despite legal and advocacy efforts.
In a joint statement issued to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on Friday, the UN Resident Coordinator, Karl-Frederick Paul, the UNFPA Country Representative, Ndeye Rose Sarr, and the UNICEF Country Representative, Nafisa Binte Shafique, stressed the need for strengthened implementation of existing laws and increased community engagement to eliminate the harmful practice.
The UN officials acknowledged progress made since the adoption of the Women’s Amendment Act of 2015, which criminalised FGM, but warned that the practice remains widespread in parts of the country.
According to the 2019–2020 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), more than three-quarters of Gambian women aged between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM. The statement further indicated that an estimated 21,198 girls could be at risk of the practice in 2026, with projections rising to over 150,000 by 2030 if preventive measures are not intensified.
The UN representatives highlighted the serious health and psychological risks associated with FGM, including severe bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, long-term emotional trauma and, in extreme cases, death. They noted that there are no medical benefits linked to the practice.
“Behind these figures are individuals whose lives have been shaped by pain, health complications and trauma,” the statement said, adding that women and girls have the right to bodily autonomy, safety and protection under national, regional and international laws.
The UN also recognised the role played by traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, health workers, parents and young people in advocating for the abandonment of FGM, urging continued support for community-led initiatives.
The statement stressed that cultural practices evolve over time and that protecting girls from harm aligns with Gambian values of dignity, care and community solidarity.
While commending the government for enacting legislation banning FGM, the UN officials emphasised the importance of strengthening enforcement, raising awareness, supporting survivors and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
They also underscored the role of men and boys as allies in promoting positive social change and encouraged communities to support mothers who choose not to subject their daughters to the practice.
Education was identified as a key tool in ending FGM, with the UN noting that girls who remain in school and have access to information and economic opportunities are better positioned to make informed decisions about their lives and health.
The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts to end FGM through strengthened prevention programmes, improved health systems, expanded access to education, and enhanced survivor services.
“Ending FGM requires collective ownership, open dialogue, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders,” the statement said.
