Female Genital Mutilation of Adolescent Girls in the Gambia
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN THE GAMBIA
INTRODUCTION
Origin: it is not known when the tradition of female genital mutilation/cutting originated. Some people believe the practice started in ancient Egypt while some believe it began during the slave trade when black slave women entered ancient Arab societies. It is believed in some quarters that FGM/C initiated with the arrival of Islam in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Yet still others believe it started independently in sub-Saharan Africa, prior to the arrival of Islam, notably among warrior-tribes. Some believe the practice developed somehow among certain ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa as part of puberty rites.( Manual on female genital mutilation/cutting for health professionals)
FGM/C is performed by followers of different religions, including Muslims, Christians and Animists, as well as by non-believers in the countries concerned.
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an ancient practice that remains a deeply rooted tradition in more than 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has a widespread in other continents along with African Diaspora. Reports and surveys have shown that about 78% of girls and women (UNICEF MICS 2007) In The Gambia undergo the practice. According to a community-based survey on the long-term reproductive consequences of FGM/C (MRC 2001) conducted in rural Gambia, 98% of Mandinkas, 32% of Fulas, and 4% of Wolof show signs of FGM/C. other surveys conducted by other NGO’s like GAMCOTRAP and BAFROW respectively, estimate the practice among Mandinkas and Sarahule at 100%, 96% among Jolas and 84% among Fulas. Prevalence of the practice is driven by deep-seated traditional beliefs, rewards and the belief that it is a religious injunction in a predominantly Muslim country. (Manual on female genital mutilation/cutting for health professionals)
Definition of FGM/C: female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is defined as all procedures involving partial
INTRODUCTION
Origin: it is not known when the tradition of female genital mutilation/cutting originated. Some people believe the practice started in ancient Egypt while some believe it began during the slave trade when black slave women entered ancient Arab societies. It is believed in some quarters that FGM/C initiated with the arrival of Islam in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Yet still others believe it started independently in sub-Saharan Africa, prior to the arrival of Islam, notably among warrior-tribes. Some believe the practice developed somehow among certain ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa as part of puberty rites.( Manual on female genital mutilation/cutting for health professionals)
FGM/C is performed by followers of different religions, including Muslims, Christians and Animists, as well as by non-believers in the countries concerned.
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an ancient practice that remains a deeply rooted tradition in more than 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has a widespread in other continents along with African Diaspora. Reports and surveys have shown that about 78% of girls and women (UNICEF MICS 2007) In The Gambia undergo the practice. According to a community-based survey on the long-term reproductive consequences of FGM/C (MRC 2001) conducted in rural Gambia, 98% of Mandinkas, 32% of Fulas, and 4% of Wolof show signs of FGM/C. other surveys conducted by other NGO’s like GAMCOTRAP and BAFROW respectively, estimate the practice among Mandinkas and Sarahule at 100%, 96% among Jolas and 84% among Fulas. Prevalence of the practice is driven by deep-seated traditional beliefs, rewards and the belief that it is a religious injunction in a predominantly Muslim country. (Manual on female genital mutilation/cutting for health professionals)
Definition of FGM/C: female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is defined as all procedures involving partial