The Central River Region North of the Gambia is Poised to Protect Girls from FGM

Dr. Touray and Amie Bojang-Sissaho

Under the support of the UNFPA Gambia Government Country Programme 2012, four hundred and fifty –seven (457) participants from one hundred and Seven (107) communities in the Central River Region North have benefitted from a series of training programmes.  The programme targeted Women Leaders, Women of Reproductive Age and male and female Youths hosted in nine Cluster Villages namely Janjanbureh, Nyoro Tukulorr, Njau Sey Kunda, Dobo, Kuntaur, Jahaur, Wassu, Banni and Kaur. 

   Participants came to consensus that Female Genital Mutilation should stop and they committed themselves to sharing the knowledge gained with their people to protect girls from the practice.  The Chiefs from the regions joined the host Alkalolu and Imams to grace the training and manifest their support in protecting women and children from harmful practices and to promote their right to sexual and reproductive health.

 

The campaign to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation continued with a cross section of Community leaders in the Central River Region North including Chiefs, Alkalo, Women Councillors, Area Councillors, Circumcisers and other opinion leaders.  They were amongst fifty participants who participated in a consultation to building consensus to eradicate FGM in the region.  The Consultation held in Wassu was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Central River Region, Malang Saibo Camara and witnessed by the National Assembly Member for the area, Honourable Demba Sambou. 

 

In her remarks, the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP, Dr. Isatou Touray said it was to be accountable to the people that the activities held in the region have been duly implemented and to confirmed the need to end Female Genital Mutilation in the Region.  She gave the context and processes GAMCOTRAP has been engaging in the region within the context of the Gambia’s commitment to women and children’s empowerment and protection.