One of the pivotal radio shows that remains etched on my mind was a Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) sensitisation session I conducted in Radio Gargar, in Dadaab. I delved into the critical provisions of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011. Sections 19 to 21 of this act serve as a vital framework, criminalizing FGM and imposing penalties on perpetrators. This legislation is a cornerstone in our ongoing battle to protect the bodily autonomy and rights of women and girls.
I highlighted the constitutional petition filed in 2017 by a public health professional in Kenya, challenging the anti-FGM law’s constitutionality. This petition underscored the importance of legal frameworks in protecting the rights of women and girls. I was heartened when a three-judge bench of the High Court in Nairobi upheld and validated the constitutionality of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011. This decision marked a significant step forward in safeguarding women’s rights and promoting positive cultural norms.
Today, the conversation around FGM remains as crucial as ever, particularly in light of recent developments. The proposed bill in The Gambia’s parliament, aimed at lifting the ban on female genital mutilation, is deeply concerning. Such regressive legislation threatens to undermine the progress we’ve made in protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls.
The fight against FGM is not just about legal battles; it’s about affirming the bodily autonomy of women and girls. Every individual has the right to make decisions about their own bodies without fear of violence or coercion. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, integral to gender equality and personal freedom.
We constantly have to drive progress and protect the dignity and rights of women and girls around the world.