From advocacy to action

Why women-focused NGOs should prioritize political action immediately!

In my research on ongoing challenges faced by women, beyond the well-known issues, I came across a striking article about Gambian women. Recently, there was a repeal of the criminalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which deeply troubled me, especially as it occurred during what is often termed "Women's Month" on March 28, 2024. Ironically, this change might have been triggered by the heightened visibility and activities around International Women's Day (IWD), with our collective efforts in organizing symposiums, marches, and summits potentially misinterpreted as celebratory rather than a call for urgent change. Let's take a pause here to delve into the origins of International Women's Day.

IWD emerged from the labor movement, with roots dating back to 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City, advocating for shorter working hours, fairer pay, and the right to vote. It's both simple and complex to grasp that women had to mobilize for fundamental rights like equal pay and suffrage. It underscores the sobering reality that women continue to confront systemic inequalities, while many in society seem content to maintain this status quo.

A woman's destiny is not to be subordinate to a man, in society, in government, or the corporate world. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a grave threat to every woman, inflicting pain, suffering, disease, and even death upon countless girls and women.

In 2015, laws were enacted to outlaw female genital mutilation in The Gambia. However, this legislation was merely symbolic, lacking any effective enforcement measures. The underlying reason is clear: there persists a belief that women are meant to endure suffering and remain inferior. The older generations, who have endured FGM and adhere to the notion of female subordination, disregard this law. Law enforcement officials, similarly entrenched in archaic beliefs, fail to recognize FGM as a crime and consequently do not hold perpetrators accountable.

I hold a belief that I will delve into further in this article: women can be their own worst adversaries. When we collectively decide to put an end to something, every action we take aligns with that decision, making change possible. Our animosity towards womanhood manifests in three main forms: ignorance, poverty, and adherence to outdated beliefs.

Now, who in their right mind prioritizes cultural beliefs over the safety and well-being of fellow human beings? This brings us to another category: the callous individuals who show no regard for human life as long as their antiquated traditions are upheld. We are living in the 21st century, a time of enlightenment and knowledge acquisition. The challenges of the past, shaped by limited access to information and technology, have evolved. We cannot cling to outdated ideologies when lives are at stake.

One senator had the audacity to demand proof that female genital mutilation (FGM) is indeed a heinous crime against women. I can only imagine the shock and disbelief among stakeholders in women's health advocacy. We've witnessed a surge in infections, complications during childbirth, and excruciating pain during sexual intercourse linked to FGM. It's common knowledge that this procedure inflicts severe harm. Would men be willing to understand this pain by having the sensitive parts of their genitals cut off? Women endure agonizing menstruation due to this issue. Can men empathize with these cramps? Probably not, but they can at least show basic humanity.

This is why I've had enough. International organizations have successfully raised awareness about various issues like lack of education access, menstrual hygiene products, and gender equality in leadership roles. Now, let's focus on an issue that hasn't received enough attention but could transform everything we endure. We've engaged in endless advocacy; it's time for action. We need to be sufficiently outraged to drive change.

Politics is the solution. What are we afraid of losing that we aren't already losing? The Gambian parliament's 44-4 vote to repeal the heinous crime of FGM, with the majority being men who have nothing to endure or lose themselves, reflects the absurdity of preserving harmful cultural practices. It's madness!

NGOs, CSOs, and women leaders let's actively pursue positions in government. We must be part of the decision-making process; we can't afford to remain mere spectators. I raise this issue today because these challenges are pervasive across Africa. What has been legally banned can be reopened for discussion solely because men desire it. Where are the women who are directly affected by these laws? They are only allowed to witness the deliberations. Why shouldn't women actively participate

I urge for resources and efforts to be directed towards an era that sees a surge of women in politics. With our engagement in politics, we can reshape the narratives to reflect our aspirations. We can introduce policies that establish systems supporting women's freedom in society. Moreover, women decision-makers can raise awareness about women's experiences to their male counterparts and collectively address challenges faced by women.

The world may not be fair, but it's particularly unfair to women. Here's why women should be involved in politics:

Research indicates that higher representation of women in parliament correlates with increased attention to women's issues. Many factors discourage women from engaging in politics, ranging from social to cultural obstacles. However, the bottom line is this: the more women shy away from politics or allow themselves to be opprssed by the opposite gender, the longer the war against women will persist in our world.

Read more about the Gambian FGM repeal here.