Over the past few years, The Gambia has been at the centre of critical conversations on female genital mutilation (FGM), legislation, and the broader landscape of women’s and gender rights.
The Breaking the Silence: Voices of FGM Survivors podcast project, implemented by Halimatou Ceesay, Founder of SheTale Media Network in Banjul and supported by FORWARD, has played a vital role in amplifying the voices of survivors, former cutters, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders in the movement to end FGM in The Gambia.
The initiative challenges myths, misinformation, and cultural misconceptions surrounding FGM, while fostering inclusive and constructive dialogue across communities. Interviews are conducted in three local languages and span all regions of the country, engaging survivors, former cutters, health professionals, advocates, and legal experts.
Key Recommendations from the project:
- Intensify community sensitisation and awareness campaigns beyond legal enforcement
- Engage religious leaders more strategically to address misconceptions about FGM
- Strengthen cross-border collaboration to tackle transnational cutting practices
- Promote safety storytelling approaches that approaches that protect survivors while amplifying their invoices
- Increase investment in multimedia storytelling, including anonymous video formats
The findings highlight that while legislation is essential, lasting change depends on community awareness, cultural dialogue, and sustained grassroot engagements. The next phase of the project will build on these insights by introducing expert-led video podcasts and expanding outreach efforts nationwide.
