By Ndey Sowe
In amplifying efforts to end FGM in The Gambia, GAMCOTRAP organized a training session to enhance media practitioners’ knowledge of the effects of FGM on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs).
The training titled: “Building capacities of media houses from television, radio, and print media,” explained the effects of FGM on the SRHRs of women and girls, funded by UNFPA’s country office.
The engagement aims to foster a constructive dialogue and heighten the knowledge of participants from media houses on the critical issues surrounding FGM, its impacts on SRHRs and SGBV, and other harmful traditional practices.
GAMCOTRAP being a registered non-governmental organization at the forefront of the fight against FGM in The Gambia for years, deems it necessary to enhance the capacity of journalists across the country on the effects of FGM on the SRHRs of women and girls.
“We believe that media houses can effect a positive change by playing a pivotal role in shaping community beliefs and practices, and your participation will be invaluable in our collective efforts to promote understanding and to advocate for the protection and empowerment of women and girls,” Dr. Isatou Touray, the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP said.
Dr. Touray recognized the pivotal role the media plays in the fight against FGM in The Gambia and outlined that over the years, GAMCOTRAP has led the fight against FGM despite many challenges, and remains committed to safeguarding girls from its harmful practices.
Dr. Touray therefore calls for concerted efforts to end the menace, while understanding the importance of media practitioners as key in the process.
Imam Baba Leigh, who represented the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), outlined the Islamic perspective and said FGM has nothing to do with Islam, further saying that there is no authentic Hadith that legalizes the practice in Islam.
While questioning the basis of those who said FGM is part of Islam, Imam Leigh called on everyone to desist from this harmful practice.
“FGM has nothing to do with Islam. It has been here for years as a deeply rooted culture of the human being, and was seen as a tool of domination,” Imam Leigh said.
While GAMCOTRAP continues to mobilize efforts to fight FGM in The Gambia, the organisation calls for greater support from partners to ensure that their goal of protecting the rights of women and girls in The Gambia is realized.
