On March 4, 2024, the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala Constituency, Hon. Almamy Gibba, tabled a bill aimed at lifting the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Gambia. Hon. Gibba advocated for the liberalization of the law to allow Gambian women to choose and practice FGM at their discretion. Since the tabling of the bill five months ago, a heated debate has ensued on social media among human rights advocates, feminists, Islamic scholars, and other social commentators. However, on July 15, 2024, the National Assembly Members decisively rejected the bill. The rejection stemmed from disagreements over several clauses within the bill. This marks the first instance in Gambian history where a bill has been rejected at its consideration stage, resulting in the rejection of all its clauses. "Hon. Members, this is practically impossible as the bill is now without clauses, which is fundamental for it to be read the third time and pass. In accordance with Order 8(1) of the Standing Orders, I so rule that the bill is rejected, and the legislative process exhausted," the Speaker declared. While some members of the public, including religious leaders who support the continuation of the practice, expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment, activists and human rights advocates celebrated the rejection of a bill that would have violated the rights of women and girls. The rejection of the Women's Amendment Bill 2024 marks a significant milestone in protecting the rights of women and girls in the Gambia from the harmful practice of FGM.

NATIONAL ASSMBLY REJECTS BILL SEEKING TO LIFT BAN ON FGM

Following the first reading of the Women Amendment Bill 2024, which proposes to lift the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Joint Committee on Health and Gender held a consultation meeting with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, activists, and religious leaders. These groups engaged in discussions and submitted their position papers to help the committee gather reports, findings, and recommendations on FGM. Earlier today, July 8, 2024, the committee presented their report to the National Assembly with key recommendations and findings. One of the primary recommendations is to maintain the ban on FGM, thus protecting the rights of women and girls. The report, presented by the Co-Chairperson of the Joint Committee, Hon. Amadou Camara, member for Nianija, highlighted the necessity of promoting gender equality and ensuring that women and girls are fully protected and free from discrimination. As members took the floor to discuss the report, Hon. Almameh, member for Foni Kansala who tabled the Bill to lift the ban on FGM, stated, “We are ready to stand firm in a guerrilla war if they want to jail my sisters or mothers because of practicing their culture.” Hon. Amie Colley, a member of the Joint Committee, expressed her dissent regarding the report. "As a member of the committee, I am not in support of this report. We were supposed to conduct constituency consultations, which we never did," she said. Despite differing opinions, the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Gender was adopted, with 35 members voting in favor of the adoption, 17 against, and one absentee. This decision underscores the ongoing commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls by maintaining the ban on FGM.

NA JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND GENDER RECOMMENDS BAN ON FGM

Following the tabling of a bill to lift the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the country, there has been significant debate among civil society organizations, human rights activists, and religious groups, including Islamic scholars advocating for the lifting of the ban. This issue has drawn attention from both national and international organizations that view the practice as a human rights violation and discrimination against women and girls. Despite the ongoing debates, the government of The Gambia has not yet made its stance on the issue clear, leading many to question its seriousness in protecting the rights of women and girls. However, during the State of the Nation Address in the National Assembly Chambers, President Barrow emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing the prohibition on FGM. “Honorable Speaker, noteworthy is the Private Member Bill to repeal the Women's Amendment Act 2015 currently under review by the Legislature. While awaiting its outcome, the government remains committed to enforcing the prohibition of FGM in The Gambia,” he stated.Addressing the cases and prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in The Gambia in all its forms, President Barrow highlighted, “Moving forward, in 2024, we plan to expand the special court for children to handle more cases and set up a forensic lab dedicated to processing evidence in SGBV cases, specifically for rape.” Following the second reading of the bill, it has now been referred to the Health and Gender Committee for consideration. During this stage, the committee has consulted various civil society organizations, activists, and religious groups. From these consultations, the committee will present reports and recommendations to the National Assembly, followed by a reading to decide the fate of the bill. President Barrow's reaffirmation of the government's stance against FGM marks a crucial step in the fight to protect the rights and health of women and girls in The Gambia. The government's commitment to expanding judicial and forensic capacities also underscores its dedication to addressing GBV comprehensively.

PRESIDENT BARROW REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ENFORCE PROHIBITION ON FGM

The Gambia Public Procurement Authority Act 2022

Appropriation Act, 2021 

The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Amendment) Act, 2018

Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2021

Gambia Information and Communication Technology Agency Act,2019

Tourism Offences (Amendment) Act, 2021

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List of Parliamentary Friendship Group

List of Standing Committees & Membership

National Assembly Service Authority (Board)

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Elected Member

Speaker of the House

Deputy Speaker of the House

Minority Leader

Majority Leader

Establish a council that will fight against GBV in his constituency.

Promote the affairs of women in parliament and support the women’s bill. 

Scrutinize the national budget and make sure funds are not mismanaged

Protect the environment by advocating against deforestation, work with NEA to ensure farmers are supported

Challenge government to create employment and avenues for  youths, such as animal husbandry, fishery, etc.

Advocate for an increase in the budget allocated for sports.

Open an office in Sabach Sanjal for the youths to work

Ensure the Draft Constitution
is brought back to
parliament.

Advocate for security sector
reforms to promote peace
and stability.

Create the space and come up with initiatives where youth and women will equip to enhance their skills and capabilities.

Ensure there’s adequate
resources (medicines &amp;
equipment) in the hospital.

Advocate for the splitting of
Ministry of Youths and
Sports into two Ministries, to
ensure there is an increase in
the budget allocated for
youth.

Raise awareness on Gender Based violence.

To advocate for women to be part of peace mediation.

25% of her Salary will be given to pensioners.

Reintroduce the Women’s bill into parliament to fulfill the international protocols we signed.

Ensure the budget allocated for the Health sector is reflective of a quality health system.

Advocate for an increase in the budget allocated for Ministry of Education and Youths and Sports, so it factors youth employment and skill development.

Help youth in Foni Kansala to have quality education till high education.

Introduce a bill in parliament that will remove Ecomig Forces from Foni Kansala. 

Organize tournaments for youths to promote unity amongst them. 

Collaborate with the ministry of Health to provide all the necessary health equipment in Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

Support any bill that promotes youth employment.

Advocate for youths to be involved in skills to be self-sufficient.

Support schools with educational facilities.

Promote skills development by empowering school drop-outs.

Extend NAWEC’s operations to the communities

Advocate for Government to buy farm produces from local farmer

Provide youth with financial support through grants and loans.

Provide support to the sports departments. 

Involve youths in decision making processes

Lobby for the construction of a skill center

Standardize the mode of operation of Essau Health Centre.

Create job opportunities for young people.

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Activities & Updates

NATIONAL ASSMBLY REJECTS BILL SEEKING TO LIFT BAN ON FGM

NA JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND GENDER RECOMMENDS BAN ON FGM

PRESIDENT BARROW REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ENFORCE PROHIBITION ON FGM

National Assembly Members

Bills and Acts

Number:2022

The Gambia Public Procurement Authority Act 2022

Number:No.01 of 2021

Appropriation Act, 2021

Number:No.06 of 2018

The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Amendment) Act, 2018

Number:No.16 of 2021

Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2021

Number:No.03 of 2019