Uniting cultural art and advocacy: kanyelengs and women leaders resolve to champion ending FGM

In Gambian communities, traditional communicators known as "Kanyelengs" hold a distinctive position as cultural storytellers, weaving messages through song, dance, and drama. Recognising their influential role in shaping community behaviours, Think Young Women (TYW) a social change dialogue with kanyelengs and women leaders. Supported by UNICEF through The Association of Non Governmental Organisations (TANGO), the engagement convened 25 Kanyelengs and women leaders in Bansang, Central River Region of The Gambia on 12th December 2024 with a view to strengthening their understanding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and enhancing their advocacy skills to drive social change.

The engagement highlighted the unique ability of traditional communicators to reach community members, particularly elders who often hold decision-making power affecting women and girls. Their cultural approach proves especially effective in contexts where modern communication methods may fall short. “FGM has done more harm than good,” shared a participant, whose stark assessment cut through to the heart of the harmful practice's impact on women's health and wellbeing.

During the sessions, participants engaged in profound discussions about women's autonomy and health rights. “FGM is a woman's problem. Men should not decide what happens to our bodies and what pain we should endure,” added another participant, emphasising the critical need for women to lead conversations about their bodies and rights. This perspective underscored the value of firsthand experiences in advocacy work.

The facilitators provided comprehensive information about different types of FGM, the associated health risks, and legal implications. Many participants expressed surprise at learning about the practice being performed on infants merely days old. These revelations sparked candid discussions about witnessed complications and infections resulting from FGM in their communities.

The Kanyelengs explored innovative ways to integrate anti-FGM messages into their traditional art forms. They recognised how their cultural expressions could serve as powerful vehicles for community education and awareness. Through collaborative exercises, they developed performances that address FGM's harmful effects while respecting cultural sensitivities.

The dialogue expanded to encompass broader child protection concerns. Participant Nyima Jawneh highlighted modern challenges in family dynamics: “Parents no longer have time to check on their children because of busy lives and even social media.” This observation led to discussions about strengthening community vigilance against harmful practices, particularly in cases where children might undergo FGM without parental knowledge.

Throughout the dialogue, participants created short performances and songs in local languages, ensuring their messages would resonate across all community segments. “Our songs and stories are tools for a better future,” one participant noted, capturing the group's commitment to using traditional arts for positive change.

This initiative in Bansang marks a significant step in engaging cultural leaders in the movement to end FGM. By empowering Kanyelengs with knowledge and advocacy tools, TYW strengthens a crucial link in community education and behavioural change. Their unique position as respected cultural communicators, combined with their enhanced understanding of the practice of FGM, positions them as powerful advocates for protecting women's and girls' rights.

This engagement demonstrates how traditional communication methods can effectively advance modern human rights objectives. As these cultural leaders return to their communities, their enhanced capacity to address FGM through familiar artistic expressions promises to accelerate progress toward eliminating this harmful practice.