**Outcry Erupts Following Baby Girl’s Death Linked to Female Genital Mutilation in The Gambia**

The recent and tragic death of a one-month-old girl, reportedly a victim of female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia, has drawn significant public outrage and concern regarding the practice. Following severe bleeding, the infant was taken to a hospital in Banjul, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival, with many attributing her death to FGM, a cultural custom outlawed in the nation. In a poignant statement, the non-governmental organisation Women In Leadership and Liberation (WILL) condemned the act as “violence, pure and simple.” Authorities arrested two individuals linked to the incident, prompting local MP Abdoulie Ceesay to call for the protection of children against harmful practices, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their rights to life and dignity.

FGM involves the cutting or removal of female genitalia and is often rationalized through social acceptance, religious beliefs, and misconceptions regarding hygiene and marital viability. Notably, The Gambia ranks among the top ten countries for FGM prevalence, with approximately 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure, often before the age of six. Survivors and advocates, including WILL's founder Fatou Baldeh, have voiced concern over a rise in FGM against infants, as parents seek to perform the procedure discreetly. Despite the legal framework prohibiting FGM since 2015, enforcement remains weak, with only one conviction to date. Last year, a proposed bill to repeal the ban was rejected by parliament, highlighting the ongoing struggle against this practice, which persists in numerous countries, predominantly in Africa.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, it reflects on the urgent need for stronger measures to eliminate FGM and protect the rights of children.