The Gambia anti-FGM activists have demanded the government to impose tougher punishment on the practisers and supporters of the practice.

The activists group’s call comes after a renowned Gambian Imam, Abdoulie Fatty, led a delegation to Bakadaji to pay court fines for three women convicted for female circumcision also known as female genital mutilation in the Central River Region.

The activists group who calls themselves Coalition of Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations said in a statement that they expressed serious concern over the leniency of the fine of D15,000 handed to the offenders.

“While we condemn in the strongest terms, the action of detractors who leverage social and religious devotion to promote their personal agendas at the detriment of women’s welfare and rights, our commitment remains centred on the experiences and realities of women and girls who endure the trauma of this harmful practice; their lives bearing indelible scars while their bodies are reduced to political tools. Regrettably, thousands more in The Gambia are still vulnerable to falling victim to this ordeal. It is these women whose voices matter,” the group said in a statement.

“We demand that the government and the Ministry of Justice impartially uphold the law and ensure that those who partake in, support, or advocate for FGM face appropriate consequences. We demand for the protection of the rights and well-being of FGM victims. They merit our unwavering support, empathy, and access to requisite services. 

“We pledge to tirelessly raise awareness about the detrimental effects of FGM and replace this practice with culturally enriching alternatives that respect the dignity and well-being of our women and girls. We invite all Gambians to stand with us in this endeavour for a Gambia where the rights and dignity of every woman and girl are upheld and defended. 

“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that every girl and every woman in The Gambia, enjoys her fundamental human rights and has her dignity respected and protected,” the statement added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba