In Gambia, the National Assembly voted to repeal a landmark 2015 ban on female genital cutting, also known as female genital mutilation. If approved, it would be the first reversal of protections against the practice, which causes long-term health effects, including increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Less than 10% of the National Assembly’s members are women. This is Amnesty International researcher Michèle Eken.

Michèle Eken: “It simply will be disastrous for women’s rights, not only in Gambia, but in the region. It would tell young girls, you know, your rights can be easily taken away. If this is passed, then what’s next? We have to really be strong about it and make sure that we don’t take away something that took so long to fight for.”