Gambia FGM Information
Prevalence of FGM: 74.9% (Women 15-49) 76.3% (Girls 15-18) (DHS, 2013)
Most common types: Type 1 & 2
Common ages practiced: 0-9 Years (Medium Age of FGM: 4 Years)
Regional information: Prevalence of FGM is highest in the Mansakonko, Brikama and Basse regions
Practicing ethnic groups include: Sarahule, Bambara, Fula, Jola/Karoninka and Mandinka
Terminology: ‘Niaka’ (Mandinka, Literally to cut/weed clean), ‘Kuyungo’ (Mandinka, The affair’/name given to the shed built for initiates), ‘Musolula Karoola’ (Mandinka, The women’s side/that which concerns women)
FGM law in Gambia: Illegal
(All information has been sourced from UNICEF, 28 to Many and The Orchid Project)