By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Gibbi Mballow, representing Lower Fulladu West constituency, called for the rejection of the highly contentious Women Amendment Bill. The bill aims to lift the ban on female genital mutilation/circumcision (FGM/C).
The bill’s proponent, Hon. Almameh Gibba, moved for its second reading, prompting a spirited debate among members on its merits and principles.
During deliberations, Hon. Mballow strongly opposed the bill, asserting that it does not serve the people’s best interests and should be killed and buried.
“Today, when I look at my child at home, and I look at what she is going through, and I come here to sit down to defend the repeal of this law. Hon. Speaker, I’m saying No, and I am urging all my fellow members to bury this bill here, and it should not go to any other stage. Let’s protect our women. These women have suffered in our country. I am a father, and I can’t support such a bill. Let’s not forget women’s lives matter; the religion says we should not harm women,” Hon. Mballow urged.
He further emphasized that, globally, such laws are becoming obsolete. He questioned the relevance of dragging religion into the debate when those referenced are not practising FGM.
Furthermore, Hon. Mballow highlighted the adverse economic and health implications of repealing the bill, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of women.
“When Jammeh was here, the people who are muted today are the people who supported this thing (Law), and today, because Jammeh is not here, you want us to continue putting pain on our girl child? We are saying no to that, and I am urging all my fellow members that this bill should die and be buried today.
He stressed the unacceptability of using Islam and culture as shields to perpetuate harm on children, calling for the protection of girl children and underscoring the dire situation faced by women in the country.
“These women have suffered in this country; the majority of us in Parliament are voted by women, and this is a concern about women if I see men championing this who have never visited women on hospital beds,” he stressed.