TGG commemorates FGM zero tolerance day

By Samsideen Ceesay The Girl Generation, a global campaign that supports the Africa-led movement to end FGM, Monday commemorated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. The Gambia joined the rest of the world to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation as efforts increase in ending the traditional practice worldwide. Speaking to The Standard, Musu Bakoto Sawo, program officer, TGG said: “In recognition of the commemoration, we decided to embark on a road show where we will hand out roses and each of these roses hold a special message about FGM. Whether it is one in every three girl or the victims of the female genital mutilation, or other words of people that have already undergone the practice. “We do not know the people that we are handing the roses to but we are hoping that from that single rose we are giving to them, they would get a key message and hopefully they would be one of the people that will advocate against the practice.” Ndey Ngoneh Jeng, said: “In raising awareness we target the youth and women in the country. Two years ago we had our first event which was the rise with the linguere. It was on Valentine’s Day as part of the one billion rising project. We bought roses and in these roses we put empowering messages for women and we shared them to women who are out in the streets working.” Oumie Sissoho, TGG survivor ambassador, said the celebration is a need; it is something that we should do and I am glad that we are doing it,” she said, adding that ending FGM is not a small task. “The approach The Girl Generation is using is bringing the youth power house; we know that we can’t end FGM without the participation of young people”, she said. Baboucarr Nyang, national youth parliament The Gambia, said: “This is an important day as far as the Gambia and young people are concern especially the girls because you all know that FGM/C has been banned in the Gambia and legislated so now it is the effort of the young people to lead the acceleration on how to effect that ban.” Bakary Seedy Dampha, program manager, Kids Come First Foundation in Wellingara, said the day provides young people opportunity to reflect and share ideas on what to do in order to put an end to FGM in a generation.]]>