The
Young People in the Media (YPM), in collaboration with the Girls Generation and
stakeholders in the empowerment of the girl child, yesterday organised a
daylong All Girls Conference on FGM and Gender-Based Violence, held at the
Paradise Conference Hall.
The
conference theme was “Ending all forms of GBV and empowering girls to take the
lead in nation building.”
The
objective of the All Girls Conference was to bring duty bearers within the
communities from all over the country and young girls for them to have an open
dialogue on the progress made regarding the law on gender-based violence
related to girls and women and progress made on banning FGM.
It
was also looking at what changes it has brought in the mindset of young girls
and community leaders, parents, survivors and stakeholders.
Miss
Fatima Gomez, head girl of St Theresa’s Upper Basic School, who also doubles as
member of YPM and the chairperson of the programme, said the conference was to
empower young girls to be strong and to resist any outside influence that might
have a negative impact on their lives.
Ms
Kaddijatou Fofana, deputy Executive Coordinator of YPM, said in an effort to
protect the health and rights of young women and girls, in December 2015, The
Gambia joined 26 other African countries that have banned FGM through
legislation.
“YPM
in its commitment to protect the reproductive health and rights of children,
especially the girls, will continue to support social mobilisation efforts on
the harmful effects of gender-based violence and FGM as well as popularising
the anti-FGM laws throughout The Gambia in engaging all the actors. A total
abandonment will be ensured using this approach,” she said.
She
added that FGM has a barrier to girls’ education, as young girls drop out from
school to get married which impacts negatively on the community as a whole and
on the wellbeing of future generations.
Modou
Lamin Davies, Chairperson of the Youth Anti-FGM Network- The Gambia, said the
girl generation was proud to be associated with YPM, a very vibrant child-led
organisation.
He
said that YPM continues to serve as an emblem of activism and volunteerism and
has contributed in no small part in chiselling child participation and
empowerment of young girls in the country.
He
added that TGG would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in the
implementation of its programme of activities in the fight against FGM.
Madam
Fanta Bai Secka, Director of the Department of Social Welfare, said
gender-based violence issues in the country are huge and need a systematic
approach that is effectuated and functional with adequate resources both human
and financial.
She
said that policies, laws and standards needs to be reviewed to strengthen on
continuous basis as most GBV issues are related to some of their cultural and
traditional beliefs which are not static.
Madam
Bai Secka further dwelled on the importance of good Gambia cultural and
traditional beliefs that must be promoted for the good of society and girls to
take a centre stage in fostering such.
She
said the importance of girls to go through the right passage should and must be
encouraged in impacting positive cultural and traditional knowledge and life
skills of girls to prepare positively for an ever changing world which is very
challenging for their development and effective participation.
Mrs
Bai Secka salutes the efforts of YPM for amplifying these issues on their
weekly radio programme which captures positive interventions stories and
highlight the challenges faced by girls, families and communities at large.
She
commended YPM to keep up the good work, hence no contribution is small to end
GBV, especially FGM and Child Marriage.
