The
communities of Busumbala and Old Yundum were over the weekend sensitised on
Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) by Njaboute Foundation, at Old
Yundum Lower Basic School in West Coast Region.
Sponsored
by MMK Gambia Finland Friendship Foundation, the sensitisation brought together
more than 50 participants, with the objective to sensitize them on the
complications and legal implications of FGM/C.
Njaboute
Foundation is involved in series of community sensitisations such as Sexual and
Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Epidemics like HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis
through Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) in order to curb the
disease burden as well as to empower youths with the required knowledge on
SRHR.
President
of the Foundation, Ebrima Bah said they are trying to address health issues in
The Gambia, to complement government effort and support the poor and vulnerable
people by addressing one or two things in the communities.
He
said FGM/C is a deeply rooted cultural practice that is often confused with
religion and has no health benefit but rather causes complications to the life
of the woman.
He
called on Gambians to join hands to fight against FGM/C and advised parents to
desist from the practice.
Administrator, Isatou Bobo Jallow also
challenged parents to do away with the practice as it has no benefit but rather
results to pain and suffering. She however stated that FGM/C causes profuse
bleeding during labour which lead to hypovolemic shock, severe anaemia and even
death if prompt, efficient and effective emergency care is not instituted.
The
legal officer of the foundation, Anna Mendy informed the gathering that FGM/C
is a criminal offense under the laws of The Gambia, citing various sections of
the Women Act, to back her argument.
She
further stated that anyone found guilty is liable to a mandatory jail term of
three years, a fine of fifty thousand dalasis or both. She encouraged
participants to desist from the practice and report any case if suspected or
witnessed any within the community and beyond.
Speaking
on behalf of the donors, Nena said FGMC is very dangerous as it can lead to
children absenteeism in school when they are taking under the process.
She
assured Njaboute Foundation of their continued support in enlightening school
parents, communities and teachers more about the completions of FGMC.
