Gambia stands at a crucial crossroads of tradition, human rights and progress, navigating the delicate path of decriminalizing FGM. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM), also referred to as female circumcision, is a harmful and invasive but very traditional practice of the partial or complete removal of a woman’s external genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is performed as a tradition and social norm as a symbol that a girl is ready for marriage. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), at least 200 million women and girls today have undergone the process of FGM. FGM is harmful due to immediate risks such as pain, trauma and infection, as well as long-term consequences including childbirth complications, chronic pain and psychological trauma. This practice violates human rights, infringing on autonomy and contributing to stigmatization and gender inequalities.
Movement to Decriminalize FGM
In August 2023, the conviction of three women in Gambia for FGM reignited a contentious debate surrounding the existing ban on FGM. The women had to pay either 15,000 dalasis (around $1,000 USD) or serve up to a year in jail. The three women received charges under the reasons of the country’s Women’s Amendment Act of 2015.
In a National Assembly session in September 2023, support arose for Sulayman Saho, a National Assembly Member advocating for the repeal of the 2015 law banning FGM. This support was backed by many political and religious leaders actively working for the decriminalization of FGM, with Parliament and the Supreme Islamic Council in Gambia openly supporting the practice. Saho’s remarks coincided with tensions between Islamic leaders, led by Imam Abdoulie Fatty. Saho emphasized the need to examine both the legal and cultural aspects surrounding FGM. Political figures such as Saho and many others believe FGM decriminalization in Gambia preserves cultural and traditional practices that infringe on their rights of personal choice.
Impact of Decriminalization of FGM in Gambia
Those who oppose the decriminalization of FGM in Gambia, such as the Civil Society and NGO Coalition, emphasized the Gambian government’s legal obligation to protect the rights and health of women and girls. In a statement, they strongly condemned those exploiting social and religious beliefs for personal agendas, highlighting the lasting impact on the lives of affected women. Despite some pushback, women in Gambia are at risk of becoming victims of FGM.
Resistance to the Decriminalization of FGM
Despite efforts toward the decriminalization of FGM in Gambia, significant opposition has emerged. Established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization, the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), operating in Bakau, Gambia, is at the forefront of this initiative.
GAMCOTRAP formed in 1984 as a nonprofit at the International Seminar on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children in Senegal with help from the World Health Organization (WHO). The seminar brought together 28 African countries discuss issues impacting the health of girls and women, including traditional practices such as FGM.
GAMCOTRAP focuses on addressing the adverse effects of traditional practices on women and girls, with a particular emphasis on combating FGM and considering the gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS. Employing a strategic approach, GAMCOTRAP has engaged in a critical campaign against harmful traditional practices. This comprehensive effort includes community-based programs, collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, and advocacy campaigns.
GAMCOTRAP partners with prominent entities such as UNICEF, U.N. Women and the Global Fund for Women. Together, these groups work to eradicate FGM, employing a multifaceted strategy encompassing awareness-raising, community engagement, and collaboration with internal and international organizations.
The UNFPA provided support to GAMCOTRAP to start the ‘“dropping of the knife” initiative, “an effort that engages circumcisers and custodians of FGM in their families and communities to enhance their understanding of the negative implications of the practice, thus influencing voluntary abandonment.”
Since the beginning of the program, more than 1,000 circumcisers in Gambia have stopped the practice of FGM and are igniting community action to end FGM in Gambia entirely. On October 2, 2021, GAMCOTRAP hosted its sixth “dropping of the knife” ceremony for 27 circumcisers from 25 communities across Gambia.
The Power of Education
Banning FGM has shown positive outcomes — as evidenced by the 2019-20 Gambia demographic and health survey. The survey revealed a decline in the belief that FGM should continue, dropping from 65% in 2013 to 46% in 2019-20. Notably, this decrease was most significant among women who had undergone FGM. This data underscores the significance of national bans and educational initiatives in preventing FGM.
In navigating this complex landscape, Gambia faces profound decisions at the intersection of tradition, human rights and progress, with the influence of education emerging as a strong force in reshaping perceptions and fostering societal change.
– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr
The Khair App: Ending Period Poverty in Pakistan
About Khair
Khair’s journey began as a preventative health blog during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its growth and popularity prompted the development of the Khair app, driven by three core aims: to make quality health care easily accessible to all Pakistani women, to work toward ending period poverty in Pakistan and empowering women through health literacy.
The Khair app addresses period poverty through a comprehensive approach. Users can purchase a monthly subscription of menstrual hygiene product packages on its shop page. These packages not only contain quality sanitary products but also include additional items such as painkillers and pimple patches, ensuring a holistic approach to women’s health.
For every six packs of pads a user purchases, Khair donates two packs to those who cannot afford them. This initiative has proven instrumental in providing access to quality hygiene products for women and girls suffering from period poverty. Given that 44% of girls lack access to basic menstrual hygiene facilities at home, school or work, Khair’s efforts are pivotal in making a tangible impact. Khair has donated at least 100,000 packs of pads, exemplifying its commitment to ending period poverty in Pakistan.
Health Literacy Efforts
Khair recognizes that addressing period poverty goes beyond providing hygiene products. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation contribute to a lack of awareness and education, further exacerbating the issue. According to a study conducted by UNICEF, 49% of young girls had no knowledge of menstruation before their first period. To tackle this, Khair actively promotes health literacy among women and girls.
The Khair app features a menstrual cycle tracker, allowing women to monitor their cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. This tool not only aids in better preparation for periods but also contributes to overall reproductive health awareness. In addition to the cycle tracker, Khair spreads valuable health information through its blog on the app and various social media platforms, reaching more than 1.5 million people. Its social media posts include visually appealing infographics and videos on Instagram to reach and engage with a large audience. Khair covers topics that include myth busters about periods, guidance on checking for signs of breast cancer and FAQs about pregnancy tests. By providing easy access to preventative health information, Khair empowers women to take control of their health and well-being.
Access to Health Care
The app also facilitates direct access to health care professionals, connecting users with doctors through its platform. With more than 200,000 beneficiaries engaged, Khair is making significant strides in increasing health literacy and ensuring women have the agency to manage their health effectively.
Khair also extends its impact beyond the app through various initiatives. More than 100 health sessions have been conducted, fostering direct engagement with communities. Online campaigns, such as #Khairseperiod, further amplify the message and contribute to breaking the silence around menstruation.
Looking Ahead
Khair is actively addressing period poverty in Pakistan, utilizing a two-pronged approach. Through generous donations of menstrual hygiene products and an extensive health literacy platform, Khair is significantly impacting the lives of women and girls. Emphasizing the crucial role of education and awareness, Khair is breaking down cultural taboos that have historically impeded menstrual hygiene practices. The organization’s remarkable achievements serve as a promising model. As Khair continues to expand its outreach, the goal is to achieve increased pad donations and substantial progress in eradicating period poverty.
– Haniya Rahman
Photo: Flickr
Transforming Education in Pakistan: Innovative Digital Solutions
Enter the Teach the World Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education in Pakistan by harnessing the power of technology to advance literacy in developing countries. The Foundation firmly believes that the conventional educational system falls short of providing children from underprivileged backgrounds with the opportunity for a quality education. Recognizing this gap, the Foundation employs innovative digital learning methods demonstrating exceptional efficiency through a proof-of-concept. These digital approaches are carefully curated to promote self-learning, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Currently, in Pakistan, the Teach the World Foundation is actively engaged in educational initiatives in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, with a strong commitment to expanding its reach. The Foundation’s ongoing programs in Pakistan include in-school initiatives, micro-school programs and smartphone-based learning programs. A closer look into these programs reveals the innovative methods used by Teach the World to tackle poverty through education in Pakistan.
In-School Initiatives
Teach the World Foundation recognizes the power of collaboration in transforming education in Pakistan and has actively formed partnerships with other NGOs and schools in various regions. The foundation has devised innovative solutions to tackle the shortage of proficient English teachers, a key impediment to effective learning. In a world rapidly becoming more globalized, English proficiency appears to be crucial. However, attracting skilled English teachers is challenging due to higher-paying opportunities in alternative job sectors. The foundation introduced advanced educational games featuring “best-in-class” content in English, math and local languages to bridge this gap. Notably, students engaging with these interactive tools demonstrated a remarkable two times improvement in performance compared to control groups. Beyond academic achievement, the initiative nurtures essential modern skills such as digital literacy, self-learning and self-confidence.
An exemplary case in Karachi involves partnering with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) on a pilot program in 2017. The initiative began with 240 kindergarten, first and second-grade children. To date, there has been remarkable progress in 40 students, who have shown proficiency in English and Maths and increased self-confidence. The next steps for this program involve expanding its reach, increasing partnerships with other schools, and extending the curriculum to include Urdu content. For instance, in Islamabad, with the aid of the Moawin Foundation, there are plans to expand from two to 23 schools, potentially benefiting up to 8,700 children.
Micro-schools
Micro-schools, introduced by Teach the World Foundation in 2021, represent a revolutionary approach to education delivery. These one-room schools are powered by digital learning software, providing a scalable and cost-effective solution to the shortage of teachers and schools in Pakistan. There are five micro-schools in Karachi and two in Lahore, with ambitious plans to establish 500-1000 such schools in the next five years. Micro-schools’ power lies in their efficiency – requiring minimal staff, space and no conventional teachers. This scalability has a high potential for positive impact, particularly in rural areas where educational resources are severely lacking. A case in point is the province of Baluchistan, where an alarming 70% of children do not attend school. The potential for micro-schools to address this stark educational disparity in rural regions is promising.
Smartphone Programs
In response to the widespread availability of smartphones among parents of school-going children, Teach the World Foundation has piloted smartphone-based learning programs. This initiative takes advantage of the fact that 24 million parents of school-going children own smartphones. Parents are introduced to the home-schooling initiative and encouraged to download the Foundation’s learning application for their children. Regular check-ins with facilitators and weekly online quizzes reinforce the learning process. This approach addresses logistical challenges, actively involves parents in educating their children and encourages family literacy.
The foundation’s current pilot program involves 1,500 children in Islamabad and Bangladesh. The cost-effectiveness of this program, with only an initial application creation cost, positions it as a highly scalable model. Teach the World continues to explore partnerships and refine its approach, and there is optimism that this smartphone-based program could extend its impact to millions of students, addressing accessibility and cost barriers in education.
Looking Ahead
Teach the World Foundation’s multifaceted approach to education in cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad exemplifies a commitment to innovation and inclusivity. The foundation is transforming education in Pakistan through in-school initiatives, micro-schools and smartphone programs. As these initiatives continue to grow and evolve, the vision of widespread, high-quality education in Pakistan draws closer to reality. The foundation’s success stories show the transformative potential of digital learning in addressing educational challenges and fostering a brighter future for Pakistan.
– Haniya Rahman
Photo: Unsplash
Poverty in China: Everything You Need to Know
In 2020, President Xi Jinping declared that China has successfully eradicated absolute poverty. According to the World Bank, poverty alleviation policies in China lifted almost 800 million people out of poverty since 1980. Though 0.6% of its population remains below the global poverty line, China’s efforts in expanding employment opportunities to rural areas and increasing access to education and health care have brought the country closer to common prosperity.
Historical Context
Before the initiation of economic reforms and trade liberalization, China was a predominantly agrarian society with a large rural population. The state was stagnant, centrally controlled and relatively isolated from global economic policies. It also strictly controlled and limited individual economic activities. All of this contributed to widespread poverty in the country.
The turning point in China’s fight against poverty came in 1978, when Deng Xiaoping — China’s paramount leader — initiated pro-market reforms, opening up China to foreign trade and investments. This led to rapid industrialization and urbanization, resulting in significant poverty reduction. Millions of people moved from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities, finding increased employment and access to resources.
The 2015 Poverty Alleviation Policy
In 2015, the Chinese government implemented a four-part poverty alleviation policy aimed at eliminating absolute poverty by identifying and assisting the poorest individuals and regions. Under this program, resources were channeled to specific areas, such as health care, education and access to basic infrastructure, to address the root causes of poverty.
Rural Development
A significant amount of China’s population still resides in rural areas. To combat rural poverty, the Chinese government initiated the Rural Revitalization Strategy, which encourages small-scale farmers to adopt modern farming and agriculture technology, improves the property rights of farmers and modernizes rural infrastructure. These approaches increased productivity, income and living standards for many rural households.
In 2021, 31.45 million rural residents lifted out of poverty found jobs. To further increase employment opportunities in 2022, China focused on boosting labor service cooperation between provinces, providing public welfare jobs in rural areas, and supporting entrepreneurship and flexible employment.
Education and Health Care
In China, disparities in education and health care for those living in poverty have been persistent challenges. Many rural areas offer limited access to quality education due to the lack of public education funding and a shortage of qualified teachers. Similarly, health care services in impoverished regions often lack adequate infrastructure and resources, leaving vulnerable populations without essential medical care.
In the past seven years, China has made substantial progress in improving access to education and health care. Between 2016 and 2020, China allocated around $114.6 billion worth of subsidies to support compulsory education, with 90% of the funds going to rural areas to support students by providing them a living allowance while they are enrolled. Free compulsory education and the expansion of health care coverage have reduced the economic burden on families and improved overall well-being.
Challenges
Although China has made remarkable strides in reducing poverty, the challenges remain. Income inequality is a concern, with urban areas enjoying higher living standards than rural areas. The Gini coefficient, which measures income disparity, ranks China at 38.2 as of 2019.
In response to the widening wealth disparity in the country, the Chinese government banned thousands of accounts showing off their wealth on social media and erased video content depicting the lives of individuals grappling with poverty. China has set 2035 as the target date to achieve common prosperity, establishing new policies that focus on lowering income inequality.
Conclusion
China’s journey in eradicating poverty is a remarkable success story. The combination of economic reforms, government initiatives and targeted poverty alleviation programs has significantly improved the living standards of millions of Chinese citizens. As the nation continues to develop, addressing the remaining challenges, such as income inequality, will be crucial to ensuring a better future for its population. China’s experience provides valuable insights into the complexity of poverty reduction and the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines economic growth, government support and social welfare.
– Genevieve Tan
Photo: Unsplash
What Is the Graduation Approach?
Understanding the Method
BRAC uses an analogy of the trapping effects of poverty to base its approach, explaining that those in poverty are forced to think in terms of short-term survival. As a result, the poverty-alleviating approaches focused solely on lifting people out of poverty could eventually lead them back into it, due to the lack of necessary support to help with long-term planning. Instead, the Graduation Approach suggests a complex pathway over the course of two to three years to provide people with the means to overcome the poverty trap.
As renowned journalist and two-time Pulitzer prize winner Nicholas Kristof explained in the New York Times, “It’s called the Graduation Approach because the idea is to graduate people from poverty, not just treat its symptoms.”
BRAC reinforces the idea that Graduation does not simply imply crossing the poverty line or meeting a certain statistical line. Rather, it describes a household’s ability to support itself independently, defined by four pillars within the struggle of combating poverty.
In the Graduation Approach, the first step involves meeting basic needs. Participants receive essential resources such as food, health services, education and cash to overcome immediate challenges. The second pillar focuses on income generation, providing assets like equipment, livestock or loans, along with skills training to support the establishment or joining of a business. Subsequently, financial support and savings training help participants effectively manage their income, progressing to advanced financial literacy programs. Finally, the program emphasizes social empowerment post-graduation, fostering confidence and community engagement for sustained social inclusion and stability.
The Impact (So Far)
The Graduation Approach, known for its adaptability and thoroughness, has inspired numerous organizations to launch pilot programs. Notably, The Ford Foundation and The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor collaborated on 10 projects across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Their evaluation revealed effectiveness but noted challenges, such as high costs and time requirements. Experimentation with government and non-governmental initiatives highlighted the benefits of scaling the program. However, it became evident that successful implementation requires collaboration between multiple agencies. The findings suggest that integrating the Graduation Approach into existing government social protection programs could optimize its impact, fostering confidence and community for sustained social inclusion and stability.
Combating global poverty is a collective effort undertaken by numerous organizations and communities. The Graduation Approach stands out as an impactful strategy in the journey toward a world where one’s birth circumstances don’t determine their ability to thrive. This method empowers individuals by instilling confidence and fostering a sense of community, promoting social inclusion and stability.
– Aria Desai
Photo: Unsplash
Music With a Mission: 6 Music Festivals Fighting Against Global Poverty
6 Music Festivals Fighting Against Global Poverty
Looking Ahead
In harmony with the power of music, global festivals like Global Citizen, Coachella, Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Bonnaroo and Afrofuture are proving that cultural events can transcend entertainment, becoming powerful tools for positive change. These festivals have consistently directed their influence and funds toward addressing global poverty, education, health and sustainability. Through their unique approaches, these music festivals are not only shaping the entertainment landscape but also making meaningful contributions to global social causes.
– Matilde Liboni
Photo: Pexels
Ghana’s Efforts in Cocoa Sustainability
Cocoa’s Economic Significance in Ghana
Cocoa cultivation is deeply ingrained in Ghana’s economic fabric, directly employing millions of Ghanaians and providing income and livelihoods for farmers and their families. The revenue generated from cocoa exports significantly contributes to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Globally in 2019, around 800,000 people working in the cocoa industry accounted for a market value of up to $760 million, according to the the International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD) making cocoa a cornerstone of economic stability.
The Promotion of Sustainable Cocoa Farming
In acknowledgment of the challenges the cocoa industry faces, Ghana has proactively recognized the need for sustainable practices. Environmental degradation and deforestation threaten the delicate ecosystems supporting cocoa cultivation, while ethical concerns emphasize the importance of fair labor practices. As a response, Ghana focuses on transforming its cocoa industry into a model of sustainability, aligning economic growth with responsible and ethical practices.
Ghana’s commitment to cocoa sustainability is evident through various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices. One of these initiatives is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) working with Mondelēz International to incorporate environmental sustainability.
Formed in 2012, Mondelēz International is responsible for the manufacturing and marketing of food and focuses on sustainability with initiatives in place to address environmental and social issues within its supply chain, including efforts relating to sustainable sourcing of cocoa for its chocolate products. The company invests in initiatives that improve sustainability in areas sourcing its ingredients.
The Cocoa Life program in partnership with the UNDP aims to provide cocoa farmers with “economic shade trees” to aid cocoa farms and “make forests more resilient to the risk of pests and diseases.” The positive impact of these initiatives extends to the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities. By embracing sustainable cocoa farming practices, Ghana has witnessed increased crop yields, elevated incomes, and improved access to credit and resources for farmers. Mondelēz International invested $400 million over a decade to uplift and support cocoa farmers.
This, in turn, aids in poverty reduction and enhances the economic resilience of cocoa-farming families. Furthermore, these sustainable practices contribute to environmental conservation and mitigate the effects of extreme weather patterns.
Addressing Poverty Through Sustainable Cocoa Practices
Sustainable cocoa practices are a powerful tool for poverty reduction. By providing farmers with stable and improved incomes, these practices enable them to meet basic needs such as education, health care and housing. This makes the multi-faceted approach beneficial to the overall quality of life in cocoa-producing regions, showcasing Ghana’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive society.
According to the World Bank, since 2019, reducing carbon emissions that forest degradation causes helped Ghana earn $4.8 million. This could rise to up to $45 million by 2024. Sustainability supports the private sector’s commitments to source sustainably produced cocoa beans, which can fetch better prices and market access for farmers. Ghana’s efforts in cocoa sustainability demonstrate how economic growth and poverty reduction can go hand in hand with environmental conservation and climate action.
– Mia Deniz Duru
Photo: Flickr
10 Facts About Hunger in Latin America
Hunger affects 43.2 million in Latin America and the Caribbean. While this figure represents 0.5% over a previous measurement, hunger in the region is still 0.9% above the 2019 records before COVID-19. Here are 10 facts about Hunger in Latin America:
10 Facts About Hunger in Latin America
Looking Ahead
While there is still work to be done to eliminate hunger in Latin America, the efforts of the above organizations spurs hope for a better future.
– Sara Agosto
Photo: Flickr
The prevention of malnutrition and IDA in the Philippines
The Impact of Cost
Fortification provides a better solution to IDA and other nutrient deficiencies than supplementation or treatment and would be effective in treating malnutrition in the Philippines. However, many individuals from lower-income backgrounds experience IDA or malnutrition because most nutrient-rich foods are not affordable.
Infants and Children
Infants aged 6-11 months have the highest prevalence of nutrient deficiency in the Philippines, with approximately 56.5% suffering from IDA. This is followed by approximately 41% of children aged 12-23 months also suffering from IDA. Increasing iron uptake would improve overall health and provide a positive impact on both physical and cognitive ability. As a result, these infants and children could grow up to have a more positive contribution to society, both socially and economically, a step toward ending malnutrition in the Philippines.
Women
An additional group of individuals who benefit from food fortification is women of reproductive age. IDA can be caused by an increased demand for iron in the body, as a result of menstruation or pregnancy. Consuming enough iron to prevent IDA is much easier than curing it during pregnancy. Iron needs to be readily available, alongside education that promotes the necessity of an iron-rich diet.
The Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project
In 2022, the government of the Philippines launched the Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project, “To increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in targeted local government units.” Financed by the World Bank, the plan aims to significantly reduce malnutrition in the Philippines within four years, thereby increasing the number of the population able to contribute to the country’s financial success.
One goal is to increase the amount of pregnant women receiving prescribed antenatal care and iron-folic supplementation for IDA by 50%. It also aims to increase the number of infants aged 6-23 months who are consuming an age-appropriate adequate diet by more than 50%. It additionally aims to introduce nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to help educate communities on the importance of a balanced diet and nutrients such as iron.
This program targets 235 towns in the Philippines, with the aim of providing children and pregnant women with nutritional support and essential health care. Strategies that are part of the plan include providing fortified food and access to clean sanitation to families with infants and young children, and providing supplements and health care support to pregnant women suffering from IDA and other nutrient deficiencies.
Looking Ahead
The Philippines is making great efforts toward reducing and preventing malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies among poorer communities. Using supplementation to provide support for those already suffering, especially vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, alongside making fortified foods accessible to the poorer communities, provides great hope for a healthier, more productive country.
– Charlotte Campion
Photo: Flickr
Movement to Decriminalize FGM in Gambia
Gambia stands at a crucial crossroads of tradition, human rights and progress, navigating the delicate path of decriminalizing FGM. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM), also referred to as female circumcision, is a harmful and invasive but very traditional practice of the partial or complete removal of a woman’s external genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is performed as a tradition and social norm as a symbol that a girl is ready for marriage. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), at least 200 million women and girls today have undergone the process of FGM. FGM is harmful due to immediate risks such as pain, trauma and infection, as well as long-term consequences including childbirth complications, chronic pain and psychological trauma. This practice violates human rights, infringing on autonomy and contributing to stigmatization and gender inequalities.
Movement to Decriminalize FGM
In August 2023, the conviction of three women in Gambia for FGM reignited a contentious debate surrounding the existing ban on FGM. The women had to pay either 15,000 dalasis (around $1,000 USD) or serve up to a year in jail. The three women received charges under the reasons of the country’s Women’s Amendment Act of 2015.
In a National Assembly session in September 2023, support arose for Sulayman Saho, a National Assembly Member advocating for the repeal of the 2015 law banning FGM. This support was backed by many political and religious leaders actively working for the decriminalization of FGM, with Parliament and the Supreme Islamic Council in Gambia openly supporting the practice. Saho’s remarks coincided with tensions between Islamic leaders, led by Imam Abdoulie Fatty. Saho emphasized the need to examine both the legal and cultural aspects surrounding FGM. Political figures such as Saho and many others believe FGM decriminalization in Gambia preserves cultural and traditional practices that infringe on their rights of personal choice.
Impact of Decriminalization of FGM in Gambia
Those who oppose the decriminalization of FGM in Gambia, such as the Civil Society and NGO Coalition, emphasized the Gambian government’s legal obligation to protect the rights and health of women and girls. In a statement, they strongly condemned those exploiting social and religious beliefs for personal agendas, highlighting the lasting impact on the lives of affected women. Despite some pushback, women in Gambia are at risk of becoming victims of FGM.
Resistance to the Decriminalization of FGM
Despite efforts toward the decriminalization of FGM in Gambia, significant opposition has emerged. Established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization, the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), operating in Bakau, Gambia, is at the forefront of this initiative.
GAMCOTRAP formed in 1984 as a nonprofit at the International Seminar on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children in Senegal with help from the World Health Organization (WHO). The seminar brought together 28 African countries discuss issues impacting the health of girls and women, including traditional practices such as FGM.
GAMCOTRAP focuses on addressing the adverse effects of traditional practices on women and girls, with a particular emphasis on combating FGM and considering the gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS. Employing a strategic approach, GAMCOTRAP has engaged in a critical campaign against harmful traditional practices. This comprehensive effort includes community-based programs, collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, and advocacy campaigns.
GAMCOTRAP partners with prominent entities such as UNICEF, U.N. Women and the Global Fund for Women. Together, these groups work to eradicate FGM, employing a multifaceted strategy encompassing awareness-raising, community engagement, and collaboration with internal and international organizations.
The UNFPA provided support to GAMCOTRAP to start the ‘“dropping of the knife” initiative, “an effort that engages circumcisers and custodians of FGM in their families and communities to enhance their understanding of the negative implications of the practice, thus influencing voluntary abandonment.”
Since the beginning of the program, more than 1,000 circumcisers in Gambia have stopped the practice of FGM and are igniting community action to end FGM in Gambia entirely. On October 2, 2021, GAMCOTRAP hosted its sixth “dropping of the knife” ceremony for 27 circumcisers from 25 communities across Gambia.
The Power of Education
Banning FGM has shown positive outcomes — as evidenced by the 2019-20 Gambia demographic and health survey. The survey revealed a decline in the belief that FGM should continue, dropping from 65% in 2013 to 46% in 2019-20. Notably, this decrease was most significant among women who had undergone FGM. This data underscores the significance of national bans and educational initiatives in preventing FGM.
In navigating this complex landscape, Gambia faces profound decisions at the intersection of tradition, human rights and progress, with the influence of education emerging as a strong force in reshaping perceptions and fostering societal change.
– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr
Think Pacific’s Work Supporting Developing Communities
Think Pacific is a volunteer enterprise that caters to university students and young adults in the U.K., encouraging them to participate in educational and community outreach projects in the Fijian Isles. It intends to expand its reach by launching similar programs in Bali, Indonesia. This expansion aims to further the opportunities for Balinese youth through funding and resource creation to be redistributed to increase opportunities locally. Such opportunities will aim to reduce poverty across developing communities in the Bali province and the wider nation in the long term.
History of Think Pacific
Headquartered in Leeds, U.K., Think Pacific can trace its origins to the experiences of its co-founders Harry Hunter and Simon Darker. Following their respective tenures as volunteers in the Fiji Isles and integrating with the local culture, they established Think Pacific in 2009 to provide young adults from the U.K. the chance to engage in cultural exchanges in Fiji. The purpose of this project is to enhance the futures of Fijian youths and villagers with limited opportunities by implementing the core values of Think Pacific. These values include partnerships, learning and local design. Such values translate into volunteer projects encompassing community building, youth empowerment/education, mental health awareness and sports development.
Think Pacific maintains a partnership with several U.K.-based universities, including Cardiff, Glasgow, Nottingham and others, offering incentives to students through each institution’s respective careers center. These include scholarships and bursaries to make such a mission a reality.
Over the 15 years since its establishment, the charity’s progress has included providing more than 500 community projects for rural communities, investing more than $15 million into the Fijian economy and utilizing $8.2 million to facilitate the training skills and development of Fijian youths. Think Pacific has recently received an award for best study abroad and global exchange program by professionals in international education at the 2023 PIEoneer Awards. Such progress extends towards pupil engagement in class, where 98% of Fijian teachers agree that Think Pacific’s programs have led to increased pupil engagement within classes and improved literacy rates among children (through testing pupils pre and post-project). These education programs have also led to the development of 83+ work-based training placements organized for unemployed Fijian youths.
Think Bali
In October 2023, Think Pacific confirmed its plans to extend its values and core beliefs to Indonesia, engaging in outreach projects beginning with Bali in 2024.
Like its operations in Fiji, Think Pacific intends to assist the development of Bali’s youth and wider community through the efforts of volunteers from the U.K. and through funding and resource generation to redistribute to the local populace who possess limited financial resources.
Furthermore, Think Pacific’s outreach scheme in Bali will prioritize promoting ‘‘positive mental health’’ for communities lacking the same avenues of support available within the Western world. Such activities will consist of sessions focusing on therapeutic exercises and community ventures for school children and elderly residents, respectively.
Through enabling cultural immersion by housing volunteers within Balinese villages like volunteers participating in the Fijian programs, Think Pacific intends for this program to impart knowledge of local customs to volunteers while simultaneously encouraging the growth of developing communities within Bali.
Bali Overview
Statistics reveal that the poverty rate within Indonesia overall stands at 9.7% as of September 2021, with the country’s GDP revealing a growth of 5.1% in 2022. One can attribute an increase in community exports and an accommodative fiscal policy to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to this level of growth.
The most recent study from the World Bank reveals that Indonesia’s literacy rate is 96%. Think Pacific is now looking to expand upon this progress in the Bali province by addressing literacy and poverty. Through this outreach scheme, Think Pacific seeks to develop personal transferable skills for volunteers to showcase to employers and expand the opportunities accessible to Balinese youth from developing communities.
Think Global
Think Pacific and Think Asia will become part of a more prominent family of locally registered organizations, Think Global, according to a spokesperson from Think Pacific.
The organization’s expansion into Indonesia reflects its intention to establish a global exchange between volunteers and developing communities within regions across the globe. As with Fiji and Indonesia, the goal will remain to achieve student engagement and educational support and maintain support for communities from humble origins with fewer avenues of support available to them.
– Thomas Perry
Photo: Flickr