Nairobi, March 26 -- Women and girls in Gambia could be staring at the re-introduction of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country if their lawmakers' plans come to pass.

The West African country has taken steps to lift a ban on female cut, a move that could make it the first country in the world to reverse legal protections against the practice for millions of women and girls.

Almameh Gibba, the MP who introduced the private members' bill (The Women Amendment Bill 2024), argues that the ban violated citizens' rights to "practice their culture and religion" in the country where Muslims are the majority.

Subsequently, the MPs last Monday voted 42 to four, to advance the controversial bill to the next stage.

Once passed, it will r...