Dr. Isatou Touray was speaking recently at a forum organised by GAMCOTRAP in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and Child Protection Alliance funded by Equality Now.
The event held at Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi, attracted ex-circumcisers, Chiefs, imams, among others.
The event was aimed at emphasising the significance of maintaining the law that bans FGM, following years of advocacy and the enactment of the FGM Law to protect the rights of women and children in The Gambia.
Dr Touray reminded that the event further seeks to continue their advocacy with key partners in safeguarding the rights of children, particularly the girl-child through the effective implementation of the FGM law which is facing threat of repeal by some religious leaders and National Assembly Members.
“|In response to this situation, GAMCOTRAP and partners are working to build on this momentum to serve as an immediate strategic response to the current situation to uphold the law.”
“We gather here at this vital policy dialogue on upholding the FGM Law to protect the girl child, underscoring the urgency of our cause, especially in the context of the current global call to end FGM and all forms of violence against women and girls.”
The law banning FGM, she added, stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a future where every girl child can grow up free from the shadows of fear and pain.
“It represents not just legislation but a pledge to safeguard the innocence and dreams of our daughters. Upholding this law is our collective promise to the girl child, an affirmation that her rights are non-negotiable, her dignity inviolable, and her future limitless. This is the Gambia I envision.”
Musa Camara, regional director of health services, Western 1 said sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls need to be protected and nurtured for improved health and well-being.
“As a Health Ministry using the microscopic lens of health and wellbeing, we want to call for concerted efforts through effective communication using all diplomatic and professional channels, regular information sharing and exchange Diffusion of Innovation Theories) in order to attain our set targets especially SDG 3, which seeks to promote good health and wellbeing.”
Yadicon Njie Eribo, chairperson of TANGO, said the event is part of the 16-day activism, which she sad, is meant to promote the rights and livelihood of girls and women.
“FGM of any type is a violation of the human rights of girls and women, as it is a harmful procedure performed on a child who can’t give the required consent. it is also recognised as a human right issue on the international laws; therefore, the laws should be upheld.”she said.
