Fatou Baldeh’s work in the past year has been pivotal in the fight to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in Gambia. A survivor and founder of Women in Liberation & Leadership (WILL), the 41-year-old Baldeh is a leading activist against FGM, a practice banned in Gambia since 2015 but still prevalent, affecting approximately 75% of women and girls aged 15-49. FGM causes lasting health problems and is an internationally recognized human rights violation. Weak law enforcement remains a challenge; Baldeh explains that police often dismiss reported cases, viewing them as cultural or traditional practices rather than crimes.
Recently, a Gambian parliamentary bill threatened to undermine women’s rights, prompting Baldeh and WILL to mobilize. They collaborated with other organizations, engaging survivors to share their stories with parliamentarians and engaging in dialogue with religious leaders. A nationwide study documenting the health consequences of FGM provided crucial evidence to sway political opinion. Their efforts were successful; in July 2024, the Gambian parliament rejected the bill.
Baldeh highlights the increased awareness surrounding FGM, emphasizing the importance of open discussion to eradicate the practice. The controversy surrounding the proposed bill brought renewed global attention to the issue. She stresses the urgency of the situation, noting the continued prevalence of FGM in 2025, and the impact of the Gambian situation in raising international awareness.
