The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), in collaboration with Save Humanity Foundation (SAHFA), last Friday celebrated the International Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation (FAM) Day, at a colourful ceremony held at Barra in the Lower Niumi.  

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which refers to any practice that involves the partial or general removal of the external female genital organs, without medical reasons, is said to be a violation of human rights.

Speaking at the ceremony, the executive director of GAMCOTRAP, Dr Isatou Touray, described FGM as a menace that should be stopped in our societies. She cited various negative impacts of it, noting that it considerably contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS, "as one tool is used to carry out the exercise on many girls."

She indicated that the theme of this year’s celebration puts political will at the centre of the action to reach zero tolerance to FGM. She called for necessary actions to be taken as studies have shown a clear co-relation between FGM and the high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in the continent, especially in countries where FGM has become common practice.

Dr Touray called on NGOs, individuals, communities, religious leaders, youths and the press to take part in the fight against FGM in "our traditional societies." For his part, the chief of Lower Niumi, Fabakary Nano Sonko, thanked GAMCOTRAP for bringing such a celebration to his region.

The celebration, which lasted the whole day, was attended by security forces, students and a cross section of the community of Barra. The occasion provided a platform for the participants to deal with issues relating to early marriage, human rights, and discrimination against women. Pathetic video clips plunged the public into the dramatic reality of FGM.