Gamcotrap Celebrates Zero Tolerance Day on FGM
Friday 10th February 2006

By Nfamara Jawneh

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), on 6 February this year, joined the rest of the world to commemorate Zero Tolerance Day against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The day, which was observed in a form of symposium, was held at the Residence of Aja Mbinki Marong in Brikama Nema, Western Division.

Speaking at the symposium, Dr. Isatou Touray, Director of GAMCOTRAP, said the day was the first of its kind to be celebrated in The Gambia. She called on women in the country to search for knowledge so that they are able to make informed and sound decisions in fighting the cause of women and national development.

She said both men and women will be equally held responsible for allowing the ills of society to continue unabated.

Speaking on the religious dimension of FGM, Oustass Muhammed Sanuwo said God has not advised Muslims to do things that are harmful to them. For him, FGM is a ‘Suna’, which is not mandatory, calling on women to review the practice of FGM.

The Islamic scholar added that no one should be seen in a negative light or considered “otherwise” if that person fails to practise FGM.

Nato Camara Saho of the Ten Sister Kafo of Brikama promised to stop practising FGM, saying that she regretted her daughters going through it.

Kaddy Jatta of the same Kafo called on GAMCOTRAP to intensify the sensitization on FGM and to create other social initiatives for women in the area.

Mrs. Baturu Camara, a Youth Project co-ordinator for GAMCOTRAP, deliberated on the aspect of human rights in relation to FGM, saying that it infringes on the right of women and the girl child.

For her part, AJi Jarai Daffeh Touray, a midwife, said FGM has a lot of health implications.

Other speakers at the symposium, included Fatou Njie of Kiang Kulli Kunda, LRD, and Fatou Touray Nyassy of Brikama, who both emphasised the need to stop the practice of FGM.

The celebration, which was attended by over 300 women in Brikama and other parts of the Kombos, was chaired by Amie Bojang Sissoho, programme co-ordinator, GAMCOTRAP.

The occasion was also used to pay tribute to the late Dr. Irene Thomas, who dedicated her life to the work of eradicating FGM in Nigeria and Africa.