The forum held at the Regional Forestry Directorate in Janjanbureh seeks to enhance the knowledge of participants on some of the problems associated with this deep-rooted cultural practice on the wellbeing of women and girls.
At the event, Dr. Isatou Touray, the executive director GAMCOTRAP, explained that FGM is detrimental to the wellbeing of people particularly girls and women during the delivery stage.
She reminded that the practice is a deep-rooted cultural belief and not a religious belief, urging all to follow cultural practices that is ‘good for our health.’
“People should do away with practices that are not good for our health. GAMCOTRAP is not here for politics instead we are here to empower and promote the living standard of the people particularly the women.”
She spoke about the negative impact of the act on women and girls, especially those who undergo it, recalling that FGM was banned by the former government and that whosoever is found wanting, will be dealt with accordingly.
Fatou Njie, GAMCOTRAP coordinator said putting off the knife was banned since the former regime and thus urged communities to put down their knives.
“Women should come together to fight against FGM in the country.”
Sireng Njie, a women representative at Janjanbureh Area Council, equally urged participants to do away with the deep-rooted cultural practice for the wellbeing of people.
She called on men not to carry out any responsibility that will have a negative impact on their children as the women are the ones who feel the pain.
Nyima Jarra and Kalifa Touray, a native of Janjanbureh and the alkalo of Darama village respectively, both expressed similar sentiments. Both assured that they will continue to amplify their voices to put an end to the practice.
Satang Trawally, an ex-circumciser from Saruja village in Fulladu said, for over 39 years she was engaged in the practice, saying after realising the dangers it caused to women and girls, she has now stopped it.
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