By Samsideen Ceesay
Young People in the Media in collaboration with the Girls Generation and grassroots organizations in empowerment of the girl child recently held a community sensitization on FGM/ GBV in Central River Region.
The objective of the initiative was to sensitize girl survivors of FGM on the anti-FGM laws under the theme ‘Community Engagement to End FGM in our Generation’.
The organisers believe bringing the survivors of FGM within communities will engage more community participation of influential leaders such as parents, religious leaders, grassroots organisations and young people.
Abdou Jatta, Executive Coordinator, YPM and who also doubles as Member of United Nations Major Working Group on Children and Youth UNMYC, said: “The community engagement will provide children and young people the opportunity to reach out to others to discuss and amplify issues as well as capture positive interventions, stories and highlight the challenges faced by girls, families and communities in tackling FGMand Gender Based Violence with a focus to end the practice in a generation.”
He added that CRR is one of the regions with high prevalence rate in terms of FGM /GBV in the country.
Maimuna Baldeh, Chairperson of YPM CRR Region, spoke on the need for more awareness raising on FGM law within the region and urged parents and his peers to study the law.
Aja Tunko Fatty, a traditional communicator, revealed the numerous intervention efforts she did in her community to tackle the traditional practice which has resulted in seven circumcisers to stop the practice.
Baba Bakary Sanneh, a youth leader in Bansang said FGM does not help young people as it only hampers their health, education and development.
The Community engagement activities were held in Bansang Lower & Upper Basic School, Solo Basic Cycle School, community dialogues with youth leaders, survivors, parents and religious leaders.
