Gambia"s Yassin Fatty Convicted for Female Genital Cutting in 2023

Yassin Fatty, a 96-year-old traditional practitioner of female genital cutting in Gambia, made history by becoming the first person convicted for this practice in the country. Her conviction sparked significant public backlash, leading to a campaign advocating for the legalization of female genital cutting once again. This reaction highlights the deep cultural roots and societal divisions surrounding the practice in Gambia, where traditional beliefs often clash with modern legal frameworks and human rights considerations. In 2013, a significant event took place in Wassu, where 30 traditional cutters, including Fatty, publicly renounced their practice during a ceremony. They symbolically dropped their cutting instruments, pledging to stop performing female genital mutilation. This event was a part of a broader movement aimed at eradicating the practice, which has been condemned by various human rights organizations. Despite the renunciation by some practitioners, the cultural significance of female genital cutting remains strong in many communities. The conviction of Fatty has reignited debates about the balance between cultural traditions and the rights of women and girls. Many in Gambia view the practice as a rite of passage, while others advocate for its abolition due to the health risks and psychological trauma associated with it. The ongoing discussions reflect a complex interplay of tradition, law, and human rights in Gambia, as society grapples with the implications of such practices. The future of female genital cutting in the country remains uncertain, as advocates on both sides continue to push for their respective views.