Why is FGM proving so contentious in The Gambia?
Female Genital Mutilation or FGM is a practice that divides people. In the countries where it\u2019s common \u2013 it\u2019s usually carried out for cultural or religious reasons - but in recent years many African countries have banned the practice saying it\u2019s a violation of the rights of women and girls. It can cause serious health problems \u2013 including infection and complications in childbirth \u2013 and girls have died when the procedure has gone wrong.
But now in The Gambia \u2013 a bill has been introduced that would reverse a ban brought in under former President Yahya Jammeh in 2015. This week, the bill passed its latest parliamentary stage and will now go to a committee of MPs for further consideration.
For Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to Jaha Marie Dukureh, the founder for Safe Hands for Girls - an organization focused on ending FGM in The Gambia, and UN women regional goodwill ambassador for Africa.