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March 19, 2024

Gambian Lawmakers Advance Repeal of Female Genital Mutilation Ban
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In Gambia, the National Assembly voted to repeal a landmark 2015 ban on
female genital cutting, also known as female genital mutilation. If
approved, it would be the first reversal of protections against the
practice, which causes long-term health effects, including increased
risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Less than 10% of
the National Assembly's members are women. This is Amnesty International
researcher Michèle Eken.

Michèle Eken: "It simply will be disastrous for women's rights, not only
in Gambia, but in the region. It would tell young girls, you know, your
rights can be easily taken away. If this is passed, then what's next? We
have to really be strong about it and make sure that we don't take away
something that took so long to fight for."



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