Safe
Hands For Girls (SHFG) in partnership with Global Media Campaign to end Female
Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gambia Press Union with support from the Human
Dignity Foundation has held its maiden media award ceremony in The Gambia by
awarding Gambian Journalists for their tireless effort towards the elimination
of FGM.
Speaking
at the awards night, Jaha Dukureh, SHFG execute director, said since SHFGs
started working in The Gambia, the media has played a crucial role in their
campaign and movement building.
She
said Safe Hands for Girls believed that journalists have a role in ending FGM
and addressing other harmful traditions in the community.
She
expressed happiness in launching the maiden edition of the FGM media awards,
adding that FGM was banned in the country because of the role journalists
played in addressing and educating the people about FGM and why it should end.
Mrs
Dukureh emphasised that journalists gave activists the platform to share their
work and stories throughout the world.
She
thanked all journalists in The Gambia for their contribution towards the
campaign to end FGM in the country, stating that they have a long way to go
though they are close in ending FGM in a generation.
Naimah
Hassan, End FGM Media Campaign, said they are glad to partner with Safe Hands
in the end to FGM, adding that they have contributed immensely in the campaign.
Saikou
Jammeh, Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union, said the award ceremony
was an important milestone in the history of the country as they witnessed the
first FGM media award based on the contribution of the media towards
eradicating the practice.
He
said as the umbrella body of media in the country, the GPU would like to
register its appreciation for the role the media played in the fight against
FGM.
Mr
Jammeh remarked that this was an indication that they all have contributed in
sensitising, changing perceptions, providing support and even saving a child
from going through the procedure.
He
also added that as media practitioners, they disseminate information and pass
knowledge to the masses.
