The Daily Observer--Gambia News
The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP) Thursday trained 100 parents from Ebo Town on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at a one-day workshop held at the B.O Semega Janneh Hall in Tallinding.
The objectives of the training are to increase awareness on harmful traditional practices amongst women and men and to work towards the banning of female FGM. Speaking at the ceremony, the deputy mayor of KMC, Yusupha Sanyang, affirmed that they have been working with Gamcotrap for a long time in the eradication of FGM, poverty and hunger mostly among children and women.
He noted that the workshop is a very significant one because it brought together both male and female participants. He added: "FGM, though a very old practice that cannot be eradicated easily, should be a national duty to everyone to fight." Njundu Drammeh, coordinator of the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) said that the basic violation of girls and women's rights should be discussed and addressed to create awareness on the damage caused by FGM.
He also mentioned that early and forceful marriage, under-reported barriers to child survival and development are all human rights violations, adding that it is the obligation of the society to satisfy the fundamental needs of the children for their development, personality, talent and ability.
Dr. Isatou Touray, executive director of Gamcotrap informed the gathering that one Michelle Gin, a student in USA, saw the Gamcotrap articles on the newspaper and decided to sponsor the workshop. She also briefed the participants on FGM, pointing out that the practice is very harmful to women and children, adding that if a woman is well the whole house will be healthy, but if she is affected by sickness the entire household is suffocated.