Summary of story from Daily Observer, January 3, 2012

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices affecting the health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) has completed training and campaign activities to raise awareness and eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

About 200 women and men benefited from the workshops funded by the European Union / Non-State Actors project.

Executive Director of Gamcotrap, Dr Isatou Touray said they engage in social mobilisation to dispel the misconceptions associated with FGM and religion, as well as promote the dignity of women.

The chief of Upper Saloum, Malick Mbye said the recommendations from local government authorities – including chiefs, Imams, ward councillors, women leaders and circumcisers – calling for a law against female genital mutilation are supported.

Imam Cherno Muhamadou Dem of Janjangbureh said the practice of FGM is neither Farda (obligation) nor Sunnah; he also that people are aware that there is no honour in the practice because it affects women’s health.

Though currently there is no specific law to protect girls from FGM, Gambia has committed itself under Article 5 of the Women’s Protocol to enact a specific law to protect girls and women from FGM.