Voices of Courage: Advocating Against FGM in The Gambia

NOURISHING MINDS, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

“I never questioned FGM before - it was simply our tradition,” says Isatou, a mother of three girls from the Upper River Region. “But hearing other women share their pain and medical complications, I realized I could not let my daughters suffer this, too.”

Isatou participated in one of the many community dialogues held this year by UNFPA to raise awareness of FGM’s harmful impacts. In total, these sessions engaged 600 people, over two-thirds of them adolescent girls and women, in candid conversations - often for the first time.

Religious and traditional leaders, men and youth also took part, examining how practices like FGM violate human rights and undermine women’s health and dignity. For many, it was an eye-opening experience.

“As a man, I never fully understood how FGM affects women psychologically and physically,” admits Amadou, a village elder. “Now that I know, I am committed to protecting our girls and supporting survivors.”

These dialogues are just one element of UNCT’s multifaceted efforts to accelerate the abandonment of FGM. UNICEF also supported an international conference on FGM, while UNFPA funding enabled the first-ever prosecution of FGM perpetrators under The Gambia’s 2015 ban—a watershed moment.

But real change must take root at the community level. That is why UNFPA and UNICEF empower grassroots advocates like Awa Ceesay, a youth activist in the Lower River Region.

“FGM has stolen so much from our women - childhoods, lives, dignity,” she says. “It’s time to break the silence and end this cycle of trauma.” 

With training from UNFPA, Awa is now leading outreach and dialogues in her district. She has even convinced two former circumcisers to become advocates against the practice they once performed.

As more and more Gambians reject FGM, a decisive shift is taking place. 

“We are finally talking openly about this taboo topic,” says women’s rights campaigner Jato Jeng. “Hearts and minds are changing. Much work is still ahead, but I believe a Gambia without FGM is within reach.”