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By Lamin Ceesay
North Bank Community Radio in partnership with Farafenni Community Radio Station recently organised a sensitization meeting on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a theme: Stand Against FGM. The aim of the campaign supporting the ban on FGM and other harmful traditional practices that could bring a sustainable health of women and girls
Speaking at the meeting Mr Ebrima Jammeh secretary to the National Council of Chiefs said the president’s pronouncement on the ban in 2015 demonstrates his concern for the health and well-being of women and girls. Chief Jammeh called on the people to be watchful and to support the ban on the practice
In his remark Mr. Sainey Dibba program manager Farafenni Community Radio, praised the Humanity Dignity Foundation, The Guardian and Global Multimedia Campaign in the UK for building partnership with the community radios in the region to raise public awareness on the negative effects of FGM.
Mr. Dibba added that FGM is un-Islamic and a violation to women’s human rights, “it should be a responsibility on the general public to protect anyone that is or might be at risk”. He called on the radio stations to continue educating the public on the health effects as well as to partner with other relevant organisations and promote the health care of women and girls.
He lauded the intervention of donors in strengthening the capacity of radio journalists on the negative effects of harmful traditional practices.
Modoulamin Jagne, Farafenni Ward Councillor, thanked the organizers and donors for their help and support in raising public awareness on the ban of FGM. “The ban I believe would protect women from violence and harm and boost their health status”.
Councillor Jagne equally called for people to always adhere to the ban, saying it calls for concerted efforts of stakeholders.
Fatou Dibba, a youth activist, delivered the vote of thanks on the occasion, and assured of their support to the campaign on ending FGM. She also called on parents to desist from the practice of FGM.
The day was also characterised by march-past and a drama performance by Group Lamp Faal on the negative effects of FGM on girls and women.