The
Girl Generation (TGG) Friday held a youth convergence on Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) with the theme “Expanding youth space to FGM”.
TGG
is a global campaign that supports the Africa-led movement to end FGM.
The
campaign amplifies the issue on the international stage and brings attention to
inspirational stories of change from some of the most affected countries in
Africa including The Gambia.
TGG
accelerates the worldwide movement to end FGM by galvanizing action, allotting
campaigns across Africa and pushing for more resources to end FGM through the
effective use of social change communication and capturing positive stories of
change.
It
provides a positive identity under which the global movement can rally and a
common platform for the idea that together FGM can be ended.
The
event, which took place at Baobab Holiday Resort in Bijilo, brought together
seventy-five youths across the country to work collectively in the fight
against FGM.
Speaking
at the ceremony, Musu Bakoto Sawo, programme officer at TGG, said their vision
was to see girls in Africa live a meaningful and healthy life and to also end
FGM in one generation.
She
said it was up to the youth to ensure that FGM is ended in one generation by
making sure they do not expose their children to such traditional practices.
She
said this was why TGG took it upon themselves to support grassroots
organisations in various parts of the continent by giving them funding through
their “End FGM grants” and also amplify positive stories of change at the
global level.
Mrs
Sawo pointed out that as part of their work, they also address issues of child
marriage, saying that through that they target young people that are making
changes in their various communities to highlight their work to ensure that
everyone is well informed.
She
disclosed that the launching of the youth Anti-FGM network in 2016 gave birth
to the convergence meeting to ensure that they are able to register the success
they have made and their challenges.
“We
want to ensure that we build a bigger movement in The Gambia that we amplify
voices because together we are stronger,” she said, adding that if they
duplicate their efforts at different levels then it means that their work would
not be solidified.
Also
speaking, Bafou Jeng from the Ministry of Justice, said The Gambia has also put
in place other legislation that are geared towards protection of women and
children, especially the child, from sexual and other forms of abuse.
She
said the Ministry of Justice would not relent in its efforts at continuing the
promotion and protection of women including boys and girls, most especially the
girl child, considering that women and youth are the cream of the society and
their protection is key in the development agenda.
Ms
Sharon Wardle from the British Embassy remarked that the UK government was
committed to playing a key role in leading international communities towards
ending FGM worldwide and they want that to happen within a generation.
Sise
Sawaneh, TGG media ambassador in The Gambia, said the media have done a great
work, especially print, in disseminating information in making sure whatever
was discussed was taken through the masses.
She
thanked all media personnel who in one way or the other has put in a hand in
the fight against FGM, urging them to continue enlightening the public.