By Fatou Sillah
Dr. Isatou Touray, The Gambia’s former vice president and a presidential aspirant, has reaffirmed her long-standing opposition to female genital mutilation (FGM), insisting that the practice remains a human rights issue despite criticism from some Gambians who disagree with her position.
Speaking in an interview with Eye Africa TV, Dr. Touray dismissed suggestions that her campaign against FGM could become a political liability in the presidential race, arguing that advocacy for vulnerable communities should be regarded as a public service rather than a political weakness.
“Activism is for a cause; it is for justice, it is for development, progress, and also being a whistleblower for those who do not have a voice. That is activism,” she said. “If you hear people saying ‘activist,’ it is a very noble issue.”
Dr. Touray said FGM continues to pose serious health risks to girls and young women and should be recognized as a violation of their fundamental rights. She acknowledged that opposing the practice often attracts criticism but argued that sustained public education has increased awareness of its consequences for women’s health and well-being.
She also rejected claims that FGM is a religious obligation, noting that many adherents of the same faith do not practice it.
Addressing criticism from some members of the public, Dr. Touray said she would not abandon her position for political expediency and encouraged those who oppose her views to educate themselves on the issue.
“If some people are angry with me, I will tell them, ‘Let them try and find out a lot about it,” she said. “I will not shy away from the truth.”
Her remarks come as she seeks the presidency, with her long-standing advocacy on women’s rights and gender issues continuing to draw both support and criticism in public discourse.
Comments are closed.