We are actively opposing the circumcision of women and girls, a practice globally recognized as a cruel act. Unfortunately, it remains widespread in The Gambia to this day. The Hope For Gambia Foundation firmly positions itself against this gruesome tradition and is committed to using all available resources to combat it.
What is female circumcision?
Female circumcision involves the removal of one or several parts of the female genitals. At its "best," it robs individuals of desire, lust, and pleasure in sexuality. This alone is sufficient reason to vehemently oppose such a practice. However, this brutal tradition results in numerous adverse effects, significantly impacting the affected person's quality of life and life expectancy. These include:
- Fatal bleeding due to unprofessional execution of the operation
- Infections resulting from unprofessional procedures or the use of unsuitable and unsterile instrument
- Proliferation and blockage of the urethra
- Proliferation and blockage of the uterus
In most cases, this leads to a lifetime of suffering during urination, monthly bleeding, sexual activities, and childbirth. Additionally, it often triggers depression, culminating in suicides among the affected girls and women.
Where does this tradition come from?
Contrary to the misconception that female circumcision is rooted in Islam, there is no Quranic verse mandating this practice. The tradition persists due to tribal cultures' adherence to
respect for tradition and culture. While many Islamic countries reject this practice, it continues to thrive in tribal cultures.
Legal status in The Gambia
Since 2015, female circumcision has been declared illegal in The Gambia, with penalties ranging from a minimum of six months in jail for advocating, tolerating, or executing this practice. In cases where a girl dies as a result of the operation, the responsible individual faces murder charges and a lifelong sentence.
Current situation in The Gambia:
Despite the legal consequences, female circumcision persists on a national scale, affecting between 45-75% of the female population. This is why we are actively engaged in the fight against this practice.
Why we fight:
Our campaign against this brutal tradition is driven by the following objectives:
- Improving the overall quality of life for women and girls in The Gambia
- Protecting women and girls from unnecessary life-threatening situations and pain
- Alleviating reservations and prejudices held by foreign countries, investors, and individuals
- Facilitating The Gambia's development into a modern country
How we fight against female circumcision:
As an organization focused on education and empowerment, we believe that enlightenment is key to combating this tradition. Our primary strategy involves educating both girls and their families about the consequences of female genital mutilation. Furthermore, we want to include the religious leaders in the enlightment of the population about this subject.
We aim to challenge the unquestioning acceptance of this century-old tradition by providing information about its harmful effects. Your donation will contribute to our efforts to eradicate this gruesome practice.
Thank you for your support.