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Momodou
Denmark
11823 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Apr 2010 : 18:10:45
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Security Officers Back Anti-FGM Crusade
Over sixty security officers from The Gambia immigration, Armed and Police Forces have backed the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM).
The officers who made this call at the end of a training workshop organised by GAMCOTRAP recently at Lower River region also urged government to legislate against the practice.
According to a press dispatch to The Daily News, the training has equipped the Security Officers in making personal commitments to protect the vulnerable in society, particularly women and children. They also called on GAMCOTRAP to use the State radio to reach out to all Gambians, through sensitization and advocacy as well as policy makers.
Addressing the participants, the Governor of Lower River Region Lamin Waa Juwara, commended GAMCOTRAP for tirelessly battling with the minds of the people to raise their consciousness on the effects of Female Genital Mutilation on the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. Mr. Juwara expressed his personal commitment to stop FGM in his family and appealed to the people of the region to stop the practice. He called for support to the local Community radio in Soma to reach out to the masses and educate them about the effects of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices.
The Chief of Jarra West, Yaya Jarjusey, also said the training of security officers in the crusade is important. He appealed for support for alternative sources of income for the ex-circumcisers to help them improve their livelihood and protect girls from FGM.
In a brief remark the Commissioner of Police in Lower River Region, Kemeta Sambou said that the training was an opportunity for the participants to listen and learn to be able to share the knowledge with their colleagues.
On his part, the Chairperson of the Mansa Konko Area Council, Mr. Foday Camara appreciated the work of GAMCOTRAP in raising consciousness amongst different target groups and in particular, the Security Officers, whom he said have the responsibility to protect all, girl-children in particular. He called on the State to enact a law against FGM.
The Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP, Dr. Isatou Touray pointed out the important role the Security Officers play in creating a safe and conducive environment to protect women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence. She informed them that the training was the third in a series to reach out to as many security officers as possible.
Source: Dailynews
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