Latest news with #FatouBaldeh
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Violence, pure and simple': Two arrested after baby dies from suspected female genital mutilation in Gambia
Two women have been arrested in Gambia over the death of a one-month-old baby girl who was subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), the BBC reported. Police said the infant was taken to a hospital in the capital, Banjul, after developing severe bleeding, but was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death, but BBC reports that many have linked it to FGM, a practice outlawed in the West African nation since 2015. 'Culture is no excuse, tradition is no shield, this is violence, pure and simple,' a non-governmental organisation, Women In Leadership and Liberation (WILL), said in a statement. The organisation's founder, Fatou Baldeh, told the BBC that more babies were undergoing the procedure as parents believed they healed faster and, because of the law, it was easier to disguise when performed at a young age. MP Abdoulie Ceesay, who represents the Kombo North District where the incident occurred, said: 'The loss of this innocent child must not be forgotten. Let it mark a turning point and a moment for our nation to renew its unwavering commitment to protecting every child's right to life, safety, and dignity.' FGM includes procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical or cultural reasons, and is recognised internationally as a violation of human rights and the health of girls and women. WHO classifies four types of FGM- Gambia is among 10 countries with the highest rates of FGM, with 73 per cent of women and girls aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure, many before the age of six, according to the BBC. Under Gambian law, those found guilty of performing FGM face fines and prison terms of up to three years, or life sentences if a girl dies as a result.
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Outrage as baby dies after genital mutilation in The Gambia
The death of a one-month-old baby girl who was the victim of female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia has sparked widespread outrage. The baby was rushed to a hospital in the capital, Banjiul, after she developed severe bleeding, but was pronounced dead on arrival, police said. Although an autopsy is still being conducted to establish the cause of her death, many people have linked it to FGM, or female circumcision, a cultural practice outlawed in the West African state. "Culture is no excuse, tradition is no shield, this is violence, pure and simple," a leading non-governmental organisation, Women In Leadership and Liberation (WILL), said in a statement. Two women had been arrested for their alleged involvement in the baby's death, police said. The MP for the Kombo North District where the incident happened emphasised the need to protect children from harmful practices that rob them of their health, dignity, and life. "The loss of this innocent child must not be forgotten. Let it mark a turning-point and a moment for our nation to renew its unwavering commitment to protecting every child's right to life, safety, and dignity," Abdoulie Ceesay said. FGM is the deliberate cutting or removal of a female's external genitalia. The most frequently cited reasons for carrying it out are social acceptance, religious beliefs, misconceptions about hygiene, a means of preserving a girl or woman's virginity, making her "marriageable", and enhancing male sexual pleasure. The Gambia is among the 10 countries with the highest rates of FGM, with 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure, with many doing so before the age of six years. 'I wanted my clitoris back' - FGM survivor WILL founder Fatou Baldeh told the BBC that there was an increase in FGM procedures being performed on babies in The Gambia. "Parents feel that if they cut their girls when they're babies, they heal quicker, but also, because of the law, they feel that if they perform it at such a young age, it's much easier to disguise, so that people don't know," she said. FGM has been outlawed in The Gambia since 2015, with fines and jail terms of up to three years for perpetrators, and life sentences if a girl dies as a result. However, there have only been two prosecutions and one conviction, in 2023. A strong lobby group has emerged to demand the decriminalisation of FGM, but legislation aimed at repealing the ban was voted down in parliament last year. FGM is banned in more than 70 countries globally but continues to be practised particularly in Africa's Muslim-majority countries, such as The Gambia. You may also be interested in: What is FGM, where does it happen and why? FGM survivor refuses to let mutilation define her life 'Why I broke the law to be circumcised aged 26' Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Focus on Africa This Is Africa
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
FGM campaigner honoured with Time magazine title
A women's rights activist who campaigns to end female genital mutilation (FGM) has been named one of TIME Magazine's Women of the Year. Fatou Baldeh MBE said it was an honour to be surrounded by other "incredible women breaking glass ceilings", at the West Hollywood gala. The founder and CEO of Women in Liberation and Leadership and University of Wolverhampton graduate used the event to raise awareness of FGM. "I was extremely proud to have had this platform to stress the need for the world to think about the over 230 million girls around the world who are at risk of being mutilated in the name of culture and tradition," she said. Ms Baldeh, who studied psychology and health in Wolverhampton, added: "This recognition is so meaningful. "I believe in the power of role models especially for young girls and women and this honour sends a powerful message to girls, particularly those from [my] background, that it is 'okay to speak up against injustice'." Ms Baldeh was born in Gambia and experienced FGM herself when she was aged seven. She previously told the BBC: "I was blindfolded and some people held my hands. "I remember I was screaming for my mum and grandmother to help me, but no one did." Now, the significance of her work and impact to society has been recognised by former US President Barack Obama who directly acknowledged her leadership via a post on X, saying, "This International Women's Day, I'm celebrating leaders like Ms Baldeh". Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Award for anti-FGM campaigner's decade-long effort Female mutilation: 'I was screaming' 'Orange Wolverhampton' campaign to tackle violence University of Wolverhampton
