There is an ongoing legislative process to legalise female genital mutilation in The Gambia. Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana*, member of the European Parliament, writes on the position of the European MPs on the controversial move as well as on the concerns of African organisations in Germany should the harmful practice be legalised in The Gambia

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) has been banned in The Gambia since 2015 and laws provide for heavy fines and prison sentences for those who perform it on girls and women.

Since the ban on female circumcision, only two cases have been prosecuted, and the first conviction was only handed down in August 2023. Instead of implementing this law that protects women, as well as a series of comprehensive policies aimed at empowering women and girls to exercise their human rights and get an education, the Gambian parliament is now considering repealing it.

The Gambia 2024: Proposed Withdrawal of the Female Genital Mutilation

On 18 March 2024, the Gambian Parliament debated a proposal to repeal the national law prohibiting female genital mutilation (FGM). The bill to lift the ban has been referred to a parliamentary committee, meaning it will be reviewed for at least three months before being submitted to the Gambian parliament for debate and vote.