NGOs combating harmful practices in The Gambia have continued to see positive change. This week, 30 women who carry out the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the northern Central River Region of The Gambia publicly promised to “drop the knife,” a commitment to abandon the practice of FGM.
The first public declaration in The Gambia was in 2007, when 18 women promised to abandon the practice. Including the most recent declaration, more than 100 women who carry out the practice have publicly promised to “drop the knife” and end FGM in their communities throughout The Gambia.
Dr. Isatou Touray, executive director of Gamcotrap, a human rights agency that is combating harmful traditional practices in The Gambia, celebrates the outcome of “relentless efforts, engagements, dialogue, training and consensus building to end FGM.” Dr. Touray believes that “When people are informed and empowered they demand their rights and take informed decisions guided by knowledge and belief that the best interest of the child, health and wellbeing of women is paramount.”