Religious leaders and MP Almameh Gibba in Gambia are trying to reverse the national ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The Supreme Court will resume the case this month. The push follows two babies dying from FGM last year. Gibba introduced a bill in parliament to decriminalise FGM, but it was rejected in 2024. Activists see this legal move as part of a worldwide setback for women’s rights. Fatou Baldeh, founder of Women in Liberation & Leadership, said, “FGM is a strong manifestation of violence against women that harms their physical and psychological health.” She added, “If this issue is still being [debated at a national level], it shows us that women’s rights are really regressing.” Gambia has one of the highest rates of FGM globally. Nearly 75% of women aged 15 to 49 have been cut, mostly before age five. FGM involves removing part or all of the external female genitalia. This causes severe health problems, including infertility. The practice is done by untrained cutters with knives or glass, often without anesthesia, while girls are held down. FGM is illegal in Gambia, with punishments for cutters including up to three years jail and fines. Death caused by FGM can lead to life imprisonment. The law, passed in 2015, was rarely enforced until 2023 when three women were convicted for cutting eight girls. The convictions triggered a backlash, nearly leading to repeal of the ban. The plaintiffs, led by Gibba, argue before the Supreme Court that the ban violates cultural and religious freedoms. Abdoulie Fatty, a Muslim leader, claimed in court FGM is part of Islam and not harmful. He said, “We are Muslims and if someone dies, it’s God’s will.” Fatty also said FGM lowers women’s sexual desire, which addresses men’s concerns. Another witness to give evidence is Fuambai Sia Nyoko Ahmadu, founder of a pro-FGM group and co-author of an article criticizing global anti-FGM campaigns for ignoring cultural differences. Lawyer Lamin J Darboe represents the plaintiffs. Darboe, a UK-trained lawyer and dual citizen, plans to run for Gambia’s presidency in December. Recently, the ECOWAS court called FGM “one of the worst forms of violence against women” and equivalent to torture. Yet, Sierra Leone’s president, chairman of ECOWAS, signed a new law that does not ban FGM. Activist Baldeh said the region’s treaties on women’s protection are ignored. Similar attacks on women’s rights are rising globally—from Afghanistan to the US and Iran. A report by Equality Now warned new laws in Bolivia and Uruguay could weaken sexual violence protections. Repressive laws also threaten civil society groups worldwide, including in India and Kyrgyzstan.