By African Press Agency
The Report of the Gambia on the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa launched at the Sheraton Hotel in Banjul revealed that despite all the sensitization activities carried out by gender activists in the country, the prevalence rate of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is reported to be at 80 % in The Gambia.
The report launched on late Thursday evening adds that the Constitutional Provisions in the Gambian Constitution sanctioning the application of customary laws continues to provide justification for proponents and practitioners of harmful traditional practices.
According to the report, the social perception of violence in the Gambia need to be addressed, adding that there is a need to raise awareness on what constitutes violence.
Due to the socio cultural set up in The Gambia, early and forced marriages are still prevalent, the report states.
