Training male nurses as allies for the accelerated abandonment of FGM

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deep-seated cultural practice in many parts of The Gambia. Despite its criminalisation and the fact that 89% of women and  65% of men in the country knowing that the practice is illegal, its prevalence rate is 73% according to the 2019-2020 Demographic and Health Survey. Given the recent discourse around the country regarding the proposed repeal of the law prohibiting FGM with men at the forefront of this conversation, the significance of male involvement in meaningful action to promote women’s rights and eradicate FGM cannot be overemphasised. This is crucial in driving positive change, supporting The Gambia to realise its aspirations for gender equality, and being on track to meet the global target of eliminating FGM by 2030. On July 15th, 2024, following months of debates and consultations, the Gambia’s National Assembly voted to maintain the ban on the practice. 

Considering this current context, it is crucial to work with stakeholders to promote effective enforcement of the law, inform communities of the continued prohibition of the practice and promote allyship to influence its complete eradication. As such, Think Young Women with support from UNFPA The Gambia through ChildFund The Gambia, implemented its Male Health Champions initiative, designed to train male Community Health Nurses (CHNs), State Enrolled Nurses (SENs), and State Registered Nurses (SRNs) on their critical role in the campaign against FGM and promoting access to Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, more broadly. Implemented in five regions of The Gambia – Upper River Region, Central River Region, North Bank Region, Lower River Region and West Coast Region, the initiative reached 104 male nurses.

Considering their daily interactions with patients including women and girls already subjected to the practice or at risk of undergoing it, the Male Health Champions initiative empowered the male health workers not only to engage directly with communities but also to serve as ambassadors in the campaign to end FGM. By positioning the trained health personnel into a broader FGM surveillance system at community levels, the initiative is expected to create a ripple effect that positively influences attitudes, behaviours, and norms surrounding FGM.

Reflecting on the need to involve health workers in efforts to end FGM, Muhammed Lamin Camara, a nurse in Basse, URR, stated "As clinicians, we must prioritise documenting these cases and become well-acquainted with the different types of FGM in the communities we serve and their implications." Other participants Basse noted that their religious beliefs frequently impact their professional conduct, making it challenging to address conflicts between their perceived religious stance and their work as health personnel. Abdoulie Barrow, a nurse in Basse, added "As health workers, when religion is used to justify infringements on the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls, given the socio-cultural dynamics in our communities, we must familiarise ourselves with adequate and accurate information leading communities to use religion as a disguise. This will enable us to effectively counter such claims and educate others.” This approach, he said, is more likely to lead to a change in attitudes and prevent their communities from disregarding their expertise. 

As the Male Health Champions initiative progresses to other regions, it is expected to foster significant changes in community perceptions and practices, potentially leading to a substantial reduction in FGM cases nationwide and addressing potential attempts to medicalise the practice. The initiative underscores the importance of male involvement in ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality across The Gambia.