Gambia’s FGM Ban Survives Parliamentary Challenge

Gambia’s parliament failed Monday, at least for now, to abolish the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The Associated Press says instead, they referred the bill to a committee for further discussion and another vote later. The World Health Organization says FGM is harmful and has no health benefits. Gambia imposed hefty fines and jail sentences in 2015 for those who perform FGM. Jaha Dukureh, founder of Safe Hands for Girls, a local group that is advocating for ending the practice, tells VOA’s James Butty, the move to repeal the ban is all about controlling women’s bodies by people who do not care about the health and well-being of women