Gamcotrap recently completed the second phase of its Alternative Employment Opportunities with the presentation of condiments and cash worth over D170,000 to women circumcisers in the Lower River Division, Central River Division and Upper River Division as motivation for their decision to stop female genital mutilation (FGM) in their communities.

The circumcisers included Tata Wuday Conteh of Basang, Mbiki Jamba of Dobong Kunda, Jawaro Fatty of Basse Kaba Kama, Neneh Codeyel Baldeh of Basse Koba Kunda, Sumbu Sireh Kolley Damba of Sare Alpha, Sarjo Damba of Boro Manjang Kunda, Naba Ceesay and Bintanding Njie of Kiang Kuli Kunda.

The presentations came as result of years of working with the Ngasingbalu on the harmful effects of FGM on girls’ and women’s sexual and reproductive health.

The presentations were witnessed by the Alkalolou or representatives, friends and family members in the communities of the beneficiaries.

The presentations were also in preparation for the celebration of the “laying of the knife” scheduled for 2007.

The Seyfo of Jarra West, Alhajie Yahya Jarjusey commended Gamcotrap for its endurance to reach out to rural communities in promoting the rights of women and children.

Seyfo Jarjusey made the commendation at the start of the three-day training of Gamcotrap Community Based Facilitators (CBFs) in Jarra Soma.

He advised the CBFs to promote the principles of the organization in promoting and protecting the rights of women and children.

He cited the importance of education in the fulfillment of women’s rights and noted the difficulty faced in identifying women in the rural communities to stand for National Assembly elections due to high illiteracy.

The Jarra West Seyfo appealed to parents to stop early marriage and promote the education of girls in realizing their full potential.

The Women’s Councilor of the area, Aja Fatou Njie Fofana-Jarjusey, expressed joy at the opportunity to host Gamcotrap in its effort to enlighten communities on the rights of women and urged participants to share the knowledge gained from the training.

She also appealed to mothers to encourage dialogue with their daughters.

Chairing the session, the Executive Director of Gamcotrap, Dr Isatou Touray, briefed the facilitators on the activities, organizational principles, structure and procedures of Gamcotrap.

The training, which was the second phase, brought together 30 CBFs from the URD, CRD, LRD and WD.

The CBFs are critical target for Gamcotrap outreach activities in the communities. They are recruited by the communities to be facilitators in creating awareness on gender based violence and traditional practices.

The aim of building their capacity is for sustainability as well as for empowering women, men and youth in contributing towards the development of their communities