6 February 2025, The Gambia

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most harmful cultural practices in The Gambia, with a prevalence rate of 73% (DHS, 2019). Despite commendable government efforts, including the criminalization of FGM with heavy penalties, the practice persists due to deep-rooted cultural norms. Its consequences are devastating—leaving women and girls with lifelong physical complications such as genital injuries and scarring, obstetric problems including fistulas, exposure to infections and severe psychological trauma.

For over 20 years, the Foundation for Research on Women’s Health, Productivity and the Environment (BAFROW) has been at the forefront of efforts to eliminate FGM and improve the quality of life for Gambians. Through its holistic “Well Woman” approach, BAFROW integrates education, healthcare, microfinance, enterprise development and civic empowerment to address harmful practices while promoting gender equality, human rights and social development.

Between 1996 and 2009, BAFROW pioneered ground-breaking initiatives including:

• Nationwide awareness campaigns on the health implications of FGM
• Functional education and livelihood opportunities for circumcisers and their assistants
• Engagement of religious and traditional leaders in advocacy
• Mobilization of youth and men through the BAFROW Youth Advocacy Group and Male Action groups
• Case management services for FGM-related health complications
• Introduction of alternative rites of passage, known as “Initiation Without Mutilation”, guided by BAFROW’s Curriculum for Initiation Rites

A landmark achievement has been the transformation of circumcisers into health mobilizers through intensive training in reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, advocacy and entrepreneurship. This initiative led to the creation of the BAFROW Association of Ex-Circumcisers and the first large-scale alternative rite of passage ceremony in the country.

Highlights of Achievements

• 300 villages reached directly with awareness activities
• 300 student nurses, health professionals, and extension workers trained
• 200 ex-circumcisers transformed
• 50 ex-circumcisers trained on the curriculum and supported to run small businesses
• 178 members in the BAFROW Association of Ex-Circumcisers
• Over 20 villages registered where FGM had not been practiced for more than 15 years
• Over 10,000 girls registered in the passage rites program, with 150 completing the ceremony

BAFROW remains committed to supporting national efforts to end FGM in The Gambia, ensuring dignity, health and empowerment for future generations of women and girls.