Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa stand firmly on the principles of reproductive justice, which guarantees the bodily autonomy, rights, and dignity of all individuals, particularly women and girls. Therefore, we join and celebrate the Gambian Parliament’s decision to uphold the ban on female genital mutilation, marking a substantial advancement in the pursuit of reproductive justice and the safeguarding of the rights of women and girls. This decisive action serves to emphasise the Gambia’s dedication to the protection of the health, dignity, and autonomy of women and girls, who have historically been the most affected by this harmful and discriminatory practice.
This move is in line with Gambia’s obligations to the Maputo Protocol, which it ratified in 2005. Article 5 of the Maputo Protocol specifically lists FGM as a harmful practice and calls for the provision of targeted support services and creation of awareness campaigns informing the public on the dangers of this and other harmful practices.
FGM is a severe violation of human rights that has devastating physical and psychological consequences. By standing firm against this practice, “The Gambia is sending a strong message to the world about the significance of protecting and expanding reproductive justice. This decision protects women’s and girls’ health and well-being and gives them the ability to live free of abuse and compulsion.” said Sonke’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Specialist Jude Thaddeus Njikem.
Reproductive justice encompasses one’s right to make decisions regarding one’s body, including whether to have children or not, and to parent children in safe and sustainable communities. It is about ensuring that every individual has the power and resources to make informed decisions concerning their body, health, and future. The Gambia’s stand against FGM is a critical part of this broader movement for reproductive justice, affirming the right of women and girls to use their own agency and make personal choices without fear of violence or discrimination and to raise children in a safe environment.
Regulations that endorse practices such as FGM are fundamentally contradictory to the principles of reproductive justice and objective of nurturing girls in a secure and conducive setting. Such discriminatory laws undermine the health and well-being of future generations, perpetuating cycles of violence and inequality. It is crucial that every country implements and upholds legislation that safeguards children from harm and advances their entitlement to develop in secure and wholesome societies.
“We call on other countries to follow the Gambia’s example and to remain steadfast in their commitments to protect and promote reproductive justice for all. The fight against FGM is far from over, and it is essential that nations continue to enact and enforce laws that protect the rights of women and girls. We urge governments, civil society organisations, and communities worldwide to collaborate and take bold actions to end all forms of gender-based violence and to ensure that reproductive rights are respected and upheld.” said MEA Chairperson Sithembile Gumede.
Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa stands in solidarity with the women and girls of The Gambia and with all those working tirelessly to end FGM and advance reproductive justice globally. Sonke and MEA commit to promote alternative cultural practices that respect the bodily integrity and human rights of all.
Issued by Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa.
For media enquiries contact
Kgomotso Mophulane, Communications and Strategic Information Manager, Sonke Gender Justice on kgomotso@genderjustice.org.za or +27835196187
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice on amu@genderjustice.org.za or +27748574254
Note to editors
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/.
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence and to question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 24 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting and in promoting peace on the continent.
