Fighting GBV and FGM in The Gambia: uplifting women and girls through the power of the law

The 16 days of activism had us stand united to champion the empowerment of girls and women, celebrating their rights to lead bold, healthy, and productive lives.  However, for many girls in The Gambia, challenges such as limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and protection from gender-based violence (GBV) persist, threatening their futures.

The persistent challenge of GBV and FGM

Despite legislative efforts, GBV, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), continues to affect a significant number of women and girls in The Gambia. 76% of women aged 14–49 have undergone FGM, with 51% of girls under 14 at risk, particularly in rural areas where harmful traditional practices are deeply rooted.

These practices carry severe social and health implications, perpetuating cycles of harm.

A milestone in July 2024, the rejection of a bill seeking to repeal the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting women and girls from FGM. This decision reflects The Gambia’s commitment to gender equality and sends a strong message of progress.

The role of legal champions in driving change

Organizations like the Female Lawyers Association of the Gambia (FLAG), a key advocate for the enactment of the criminalization of the FGM Law, are at the forefront of this battle, turning the law into a transformative tool for social change. FLAG’s direct intervention in cases like that of Mariama (name changed for privacy), a young girl at risk of FGM, underscores the urgent need for action. Women and girls have little choice in this matter, with reports of forced mutilations being common.

• Women lawyers, as advocates and community mobilizers, play a vital role in enforcing the FGM ban and raising awareness. 
• Through their work, they foster accountability, protect survivors, and challenge the deeply rooted social norms underpinning harmful practices.
• With support from the World Bank-funded Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) Project in collaboration with its SWEDD+ country legal platform of stakeholders, FLAG and other stakeholders are strengthening legal systems and promoting behavioral shifts to increase women’s and girls’ choices, voice, and agency. 

The power of a multisectoral approach

Tackling GBV and FGM requires collaboration across sectors to address the complexity of the problem. The Gambia’s comprehensive approach involves: 

• Policy dialogue with decision-makers across health, education, and social protection sectors. 
• Partnering with religious leaders, parliamentarians, and legal advocates to align efforts with cultural and societal realities. 
• Establishing one-stop centers and grievance management committees for coordinated responses to GBV and improved service delivery. 

This integrated strategy ensures immediate support for survivors while fostering long-term societal change, empowering women and girls to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. 

Toward a brighter future

The fight against GBV and FGM in The Gambia is far from over, but progress is evident. By leveraging the power of law, building multi-sectoral partnerships, and challenging deeply ingrained social norms, The Gambia is making strides toward a future where every girl and woman can live free from violence and harm.

Together, we can ensure that women and girls in The Gambia lead empowered lives, breaking the cycle of harm and creating lasting change—one step at a time.