Beena S.’s Post

📢 Amazing news from the Gambia! The parliament has rejected the Bill attempting to repeal the anti-FGM ban in the Women’s (Amendment) Act. Equality Now commends the government including the National Assembly for upholding the anti-FGM law and standing with Gambian women and girls to ensure their protection from FGM. Back in August 2023, the Kaur/Kuntaur Magistrates’ Court convicted three women for performing #FGM on eight adolescent girls. This landmark judgment marked the first conviction of its kind since the enactment of the law banning FGM eight years prior. In response to the conviction, in September 2023, religious leaders and select members of parliament initiated public discussions seeking to repeal the Women’s Act to introduce ‘consent’ to FGM for women who wish to go through FGM as part of their culture or religion. The decision by Gambian lawmakers to uphold the Women’s (Amendment) Act is not only commendable but also sets a crucial precedent in the protection of laws against regression. This landmark decision is a beacon of progress and demonstrates Gambia’s commitment to international and regional human rights agreements. We recognize that the law is fundamental in serving as the foundation from which we all draw protections from violations. #EndFGM #WomensRights #HumanRights #ViolenceAgainstWomen #VAWG #GenderEquality #LegalEquality #LegalReform #TheGambia #Africa

Why Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Must Be Banned to Promote Good Health for Girls and Protect Their Bodily Rights from Harmful Practices Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in some communities, but its harmful consequences far outweigh any perceived benefits. The practice of FGM must be unequivocally banned worldwide to promote the good health of girls and protect their fundamental rights over their own bodies. 1. FGM and Its Severe Health Consequences FGM is associated with a range of immediate and long-term health risks that can have devastating effects on girls and women. The procedure is often performed without anesthesia, in unsanitary conditions, and by individuals without medical training. This can lead to severe pain, excessive bleeding, infections, and even death. In the long term, women who have undergone FGM may experience chronic pain, complications during childbirth, sexual dysfunction, and psychological trauma. The physical and mental health consequences of FGM are scars for lifelong, distroying quality of life for millions of women globally. 2. Violation of Bodily Rights and Autonomy FGM is a clear violation of girls’ and women’s rights to bodily integrity and autonomy. It is often performed on young girls who are unable to give informed consent, effectively stripping them of their right to make decisions about their own bodies. This practice perpetuates a cycle of control and oppression, denying women the fundamental human rights that are essential for dignity and equality. Banning FGM is not just a matter of public health; it is also a crucial step toward recognizing and protecting the inherent rights of women and girls. 3. FGM and Gender Inequality FGM is deeply intertwined with issues of gender inequality. It is often justified by cultural norms that seek to control women’s sexuality and ensure their subordination to men. 4. International Human Rights Obligations The global community has recognized FGM as a violation of human rights. International treaties and conventions, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), call for the abolition of harmful practices like FGM. Conclusion Banning FGM is essential for promoting the health and well-being of girls and women and protecting their rights over their own bodies. The practice is a grave violation of human rights and has no place in any society. By taking a stand against FGM, we affirm the dignity and equality of all individuals and work toward a world where every girl can grow up free from fear, violence, and coercion. By Ruby N. Kryticous #GirlsRightsIsGirlsHealth #StopFGM #MyBodyMyRights #SavingGirlsFromFGM Save the Children International, Children's Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF) Equality Now

Significant developments from the Gambia! 📣 The parliament has rejected the Bill seeking to repeal the anti-FGM ban in the Women’s (Amendment) Act. We stand with the Gambian government and National Assembly in maintaining the anti-FGM law and ensuring the protection of women and girls. In August 2023, the Kaur/Kuntaur Magistrates’ Court made a landmark ruling by convicting three women for performing FGM on eight adolescent girls—the first such conviction since the law's enactment eight years ago. Following this, some religious leaders and parliament members pushed to repeal the Women’s Act, suggesting ‘consent’ for FGM for cultural or religious reasons. The decision to uphold the Women’s (Amendment) Act is a significant step in protecting against human rights violations and underscores Gambia’s commitment to international human rights standards. #ViolenceAgainstWomen #VAWG #AFWAG #GenderEquity #Gambia #Africa

🚨HOT OFF THE PRESS: Urgent Call to Action to Protect Women's Rights in The Gambia! In 2015, The Gambia took a crucial step forward by enacting a law to prohibit #FGM, recognizing it as a gross violation of human rights. However, a new Private Member’s Bill seeks to lift this ban under the pretext of cultural and religious preservation. Musu Bakoto Sawo Esq and I delve into the contestations surrounding the prohibition of #ENDFGM law in The #Gambia and outline what's next in the legal process. Read more here: #EndFGM220

Today marks 2 years since Jina Mahsa Amini’s tragic death in #Iran, highlighting the ongoing violence women face. Last year, Equality Now and our partners, the Centre for Supporters of Human Rights and Femena, welcomed the UN Human Rights Committee’s strong recommendations to the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly with fulfilling and protecting the rights of women and girls within its borders. Yet, despite UN recommendations, change in Iran remains elusive. Recent incidents include arbitrary arrests, violent protest suppression, and enforced dress codes by government-run agencies. We join the UN in expressing deep concern over the emerging developments surrounding the draft bill, 'Supporting the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab,' which proposes harsher penalties for women appearing in public without the hijab. These discriminatory acts have a negative impact on women and girls’ ability to enjoy their human rights and constitute violations of Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international laws. We continue to call on the Iranian State to undertake reforms in our recent joint submission to the Human Rights Council for the upcoming Universal Periodic Review on the gaps in law and practice in addressing child, early and forced marriage, FGM, and discriminatory laws as well as the suppression and criminalization of women human rights defenders who are advocating for legal equality and social justice in Iran. Head to our website to learn more: https://buff.ly/3XHMbdI #WomanLifeFreedom

Overturning of sodomy laws a win for human rights in Namibia - Democracy in Africa: Overturning of sodomy laws a win for human rights in Namibia  Democracy in Africa

Empowerment starts with autonomy over one's body and rights. However, the proposed bill to decriminalize Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by Gambia's parliament poses a significant threat to women's and girls' progress. We implore the National Assembly of The Gambia to maintain the prohibition on FGM/C and oppose any endeavors aiming to legitimize or tolerate this detrimental practice. Additionally, we urge African governments, feminist advocates and groups, religious and traditional authorities, local communities, and civil society organizations to unite with us in denouncing FGM/C and championing the rights and inherent dignity of every girl and woman. Let's join forces to safeguard their rights. Click the link https://chng.it/c7wpVd9Wjm to sign the petition and lend your voice. #EndFGM #GenderEquality #TakeAction #womensright #womenshealth #globaljustice #humansrights #healthinequality

#HRC57 🔹 Compelling findings emerging from the thematic dialogue on the advancement of #racial justice and #equality in law enforcement Mr. Volker Türk 🔹 'Across the globe, the scourge of #racism, racial discrimination, #xenophobia, and related intolerance continues to fester.'. Ms. Rokhaya Diallo 🔹 '#MuslimWomen cannot exercise their freedom of belief or the rights on their bodies. Systemic racism is born of slavery, colonialism, and genocide, and it still characterizes the fates today.' Ms. Caren Paola Yañez Inofuentes🔹Any intersectional discussion on Afro-descendant women must start from the recognition that the main characteristic of racism is that it is an institutional and structural phenomenon.' Ms. Akua Kuenyehia 🔹 'Manifestations of systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement and in criminal justice systems are still prevalent in many parts of the world. They constantly face difficulties when demanding justice, accountability, and redress for violations by law enforcement officials.' More insights in our report 👉 https://lnkd.in/eYgAp8v2 The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Akua Kuenyehia Foundation O'Neill-Lancet Commission on RSDGH United Nations Human Rights Human Rights Watch

Amendment to Waqf Act: Pros and Cons. The recent Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to overhaul the existing Waqf Act, 1995. While the intention is to improve the management and efficiency of Waqf properties, the bill has sparked debates and raised concerns.📍 Key Pros of the Amendment📜👇 * Enhanced transparency and accountability: The bill mandates compulsory verification of property claims, which can help prevent misuse of Waqf properties. * Inclusion of diverse voices: The proposed representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf boards can lead to more inclusive decision-making. * Strengthened governance: The bill aims to streamline the functioning of Waqf boards and improve their efficiency. * Protection of women's rights: The inclusion of provisions for the welfare of widows, divorced women, and orphans can safeguard their rights. * Clarification on Waqf-al-aulad: The bill addresses the contentious issue of Waqf-al-aulad, ensuring that inheritance rights of heirs, including women, are not compromised. Key Cons of the Amendment.📜👇 * Potential for government overreach: Some critics argue that the increased role of the district collector in resolving disputes could lead to government interference in Waqf matters. * Concerns about defining Waqf property: The provision stating that government property cannot be deemed as Waqf property might create ambiguity and disputes. * Impact on Waqf autonomy: The changes in the composition of Waqf boards and the increased government oversight could potentially reduce the autonomy of Waqf bodies. * Implementation challenges: Implementing the proposed changes effectively will require adequate resources and training for Waqf officials. * Concerns about minority rights: Some argue that the government's involvement in Waqf matters could infringe upon the religious rights of Muslims. It's important to note that this is a brief overview, and the actual impact of the amendments will depend on their implementation. The bill is still under discussion, and there might be further changes before it becomes law. #WaqfActAmendment #WaqfReform #India #MuslimCommunity #Law #lawstudents #Advocates #lawyers #waqfboard #muslimpersonallaw #news

I joined international lawyers and human rights defenders to sign a joint letter calling on governments to include the crime of gender apartheid in the draft Crimes Against Humanity (CAH) Convention. Women and girls living under the Taliban rule in Afghanistan are fighting extreme, institutionalized and systematic gender oppression and domination. This treatment has a name: gender apartheid. The Sixth (Legal) Committee of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to discuss the proposed CAH treaty in October. Member States have the option to recognize gender apartheid CAH in the treaty. The codification of this crime provides the international community with the necessary tools to mobilize against apartheid regimes and hold perpetrators of gender apartheid accountable. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to end gender apartheid as a crime recognized under international law. @endgenderapartheid.today @SLPJustice #EndGenderApartheid (Paiwandi)