When Gambia Banned Female Genital Cutting, a Defiant 96-Year-Old Resisted

In the West African nation of Gambia, female genital cutting (FGC) has long been a deeply ingrained cultural practice. Also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), this harmful procedure involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is often seen as a rite of passage into womanhood and is believed to promote chastity and purity.

However, in 2015, the Gambian government took a groundbreaking step by banning FGC, making it illegal to perform or facilitate the practice. This move was hailed as a major victory for women’s rights and public health, as FGC can lead to a myriad of physical, psychological, and sexual complications for those who undergo it.

Despite this ban, many communities in Gambia continue to practice FGC in secret, defying the law and putting the health and well-being of young girls at risk. One such community is Keneba, a remote village in the Upper River Region of Gambia, where a 96-year-old woman named Sira Kante has been a vocal advocate for the continuation of FGC.

Sira Kante, known as the “Queen Cutter” in her village, has been performing FGC for over 70 years and is considered a revered figure in her community. When the ban on FGC was announced, Sira refused to stop performing the procedure, citing tradition and cultural significance as her reasons for defying the law.

Despite facing pressure from local authorities and activists, Sira remained steadfast in her beliefs and continued to perform FGC on young girls in her village. She argued that the ban was an infringement on her cultural autonomy and that she had a duty to uphold the traditions of her ancestors.

Sira’s defiance sparked outrage among women’s rights activists and health officials, who saw her actions as a direct threat to the progress that had been made in eradicating FGC in Gambia. They launched campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of FGC and to provide support for girls and women who had been affected by the practice.

In the face of mounting pressure, Sira eventually agreed to stop performing FGC and to work with local organizations to promote alternative rites of passage for young girls in her village. While her change of heart was seen as a small victory in the fight against FGC, it also highlighted the deep-rooted cultural beliefs and practices that continue to perpetuate harmful traditions in many African countries.

The case of Sira Kante serves as a reminder of the challenges that still exist in eliminating harmful practices like FGC, even in the face of legal bans and public awareness campaigns. It underscores the importance of engaging with communities in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner to bring about lasting change and empower women and girls to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.