Aji
Nana Taal, a facilitator and a member of the Novascotia Gambia Association
(NSGA), has said that many people have misconceptions about Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM).
Ms
Taal made the statement recently at a daylong workshop held at the Faraba
Bantag Upper Basic School, organized by Yeswecan for Children Foundation to
sensitise the children on the bad effects of FGM.
She added: “If you go down to the grassroots
and talk to them about FGM activities you will realise that there is a lot of
gaps.”
She
said Yeswecan for Children Foundation, in partnership with the Girls
Generation, started the campaign to end FGM in schools, communities and also
holds radio programmes.
Ms
Taal said they also talk to people about the laws on FGM and penalties if one
violates those laws, adding that the programme embarked upon was to sensitise
the people on the dangers of FGM.
She
said the programme embarked upon has yielded success stories from the
participants, adding that the training they hosted earlier centered on the
misconceptions about FGM and the law.
She
said they also face challenges because in schools they speak English to reach
out to those kids but in communities they find it very difficult.
Ms
Taal also said norms and values were other challenges they faced in communities
with regard to the anti-FGM campaign.
