Gambia's FGM debate reveals tensions between cultural tradition and human rights frameworks
Original framing: “'Everything was removed': Gambians share pain with FGM ban in balance” — Africa News
The piece touches on colonial legacies and post-colonial governance, highlighting how historical power dynamics influence current policy. It provides a useful context for understanding how FGM has been framed through both local and international historical lenses.
The FGM debate in Gambia reveals a layered tension between cultural continuity and human rights, shaped by colonial histories, gender dynamics, and global policy pressures.
A systemic approach must integrate Indigenous perspectives, historical context, and cross-cultural insights while grounding solutions in scientific evidence and community agency. By elevating marginalised voices and fostering dialogue, Gambia can navigate this complex issue with both cultural respect and ethical clarity, ensuring that future policy is both effective and equitable.