Attempt to overturn the Gambia’s ban on FGM heard by supreme court

I have no idea, and hopefully as court they will look at the facts.

But also from a quick google, the ban is part of a law passed in 2015 on Women's Rights.

So the court case is, I assume, about whether what is said to be part of the country's culture is more important that women's rights.

Here is a summary from AI:

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread practice in The Gambia, where approximately 73% of women and girls aged 15-49 have undergone the procedure, often before the age of six. FGM has been illegal in The Gambia since 2015, and a recent attempt to repeal the ban was rejected by the National Assembly in July 2024, a major victory for women's rights activists.

Key Aspects of FGM in The Gambia

• Prevalence: The Gambia has one of the highest FGM rates globally. The practice is deeply rooted in culture and tradition across most ethnic groups and is practiced by both Muslims and Christians, though not supported by core religious texts.
• Legality: The Women's (Amendment) Act 2015 criminalized FGM, with penalties of up to three years in prison and/or fines, and life imprisonment if a girl dies as a result.
• Enforcement Challenges: Despite the ban, enforcement has been limited, with only two prosecutions and one conviction reported up until 2023. The first conviction of three women in 2023 for cutting eight infants sparked a national debate.
• Political and Social Debate: A strong lobby group, including an influential Imam who paid the fines for the convicted women, campaigned to decriminalize FGM, arguing it is a religious and cultural right. In March 2024, a bill to repeal the ban advanced in parliament, causing international outrage and a strong counter-campaign by human rights organizations and the UN. The bill was ultimately rejected in July 2024.
• Health Consequences: FGM has no health benefits and causes severe immediate and long-term physical and psychological harm, including chronic pain, infections, difficult childbirth, and an increased risk of newborn death.
• Activism: Local and international civil society organizations, such as the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) and Safe Hands for Girls, are at the forefront of the fight to end the practice through awareness campaigns and advocacy.