A two day sub-regional consultative meeting on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) ended on Thursday 31 May at the Jerma Beach Hotel. The meeting was organised by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and hosted by The Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA). The objectives of the meeting were to share information on new and promising approaches at the national and global levels on effective programming on FGM, to explore how to integrate rights-based programming into work on FGM. It also aimed at developing strategies for policy and strengthening programmes and services within the Federation.

In presenting the strategy on FGM, IPPF representative, Ms. Naana Otoo-Oyertey, indicated that the objective in addressing FGM is to ensure the potential use of international laws that governments have signed in the Africa Union Health Ministries Commitments-Maputo Protocol. She added that there should be data collection at many IPPF member association clinics and youth action movements. FGM, she said, should be seen as part of an integrated Sexual and Reproduction Health and Gender Based Violence approach.

She said there should be a range of programmes, approaches and a strategic work with men as gate keepers. Nana indicated that the challenges in FGM are due to lack of specific national laws on FGM, difficult local taboo, religious/traditional justification for FGM and lack of coordination. She added that the practice is endemic among many ethnic communities. She indicated that the need for more rigorous evidence to support advocacy and awareness raising and difficult political environment are also challenges in addressing FGM. Ms. Nana indicated that the key area for strategic development includes research and documentation, working with religious leaders and the media as well as regulatory measures for member association clinics, integrated SRH/GBV approach, consortiums, working with a range of stakeholders, young people, men and women and resource development.

In his closing remarks, GFPA Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Muctarr Jammeh, said FGM is a critical area of concern in terms of GBV and sexual rights. He added that in addressing FGM there is need for partnership, networking and collaboration. Mr. Jammeh indicated that in addressing the practice of FGM, people have to be culturally sensitive because FGM is multi-faceted. He noted that no single organisation or institution can do it alone. He said the international community also needs to do something to fulfill the task of and abandoning FGM in Africa, in particular, and the World, in general. Mr. Jammeh urged the participants to continue the struggle against Female Genital Mutilation.

He concluded by thanking the organizers, IPPF, CSOs and all participants. The meeting was attended by representatives from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau and the host country (The Gambia).

Presntations were also made by Mr. Salifu Jassey; the UNICEF child protection specialist, Mr. Njundu Drammeh; the Child Protection Alliance and the President and the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP, Dr. Isatou Touray. The programme ended with group discussions.