SheTale Media Network

20/08/2026

💜 DAY 14 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 6 emphasises the importance of positive masculinity as well as African values and norms in preventing and ending violence against women and girls.

Positive masculinity encourages men and boys to promote respect, equality, dignity, and protection. Our values and traditions can also be powerful tools for challenging violence and creating safer homes, communities, and societies.

19/08/2026

💜 DAY 13 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 6 reminds us that equality must apply to every woman and girl. The right to equal opportunities and equal treatment under the law should not depend on a person’s background, status, age, ethnicity, religion, language or disability.

No woman or girl should face discrimination when seeking justice, protection or opportunities.

Our differences should never determine our rights. Equality before the law is a right, not a privilege.

18/08/2026

💜 DAY 12 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 6 emphasises the importance of a multistakeholder and bottom-up approach to preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.

This means that governments, communities, civil society, traditional and religious institutions, young people, women's groups, and other stakeholders must collaborate to tackle the root causes of violence and develop sustainable, inclusive solutions.

When communities are actively involved in finding solutions, women and girls become better empowered and protected.

Different voices lead to shared responsibility, resulting in stronger solutions.

17/08/2026

For many young mothers in The Gambia, protecting their daughters from female ge***al mutilation (FGM) can be challenging, especially in communities where the practice has been passed down through generations. Parents who refuse to have their daughters circumcised often face criticism, insults, and pressure from relatives and neighbours.

For Yassin Manga, however, the decision is clear: she will not allow her daughter to undergo FGM.

Yassin acknowledges that resisting FGM is not always easy. She notes that parents who choose not to circumcise their daughters can encounter negative comments and pressure from those around them.

For some families, the fear of being judged can become so overwhelming that they eventually give in to societal expectations.

For many young mothers in The Gambia, protecting their daughters from female ge***al mutilation (FGM) can be challenging, especially in communities where the practice has been passed down through generations. Parents who refuse to have their daughters circumcised often face criticism, insults, and p...

17/08/2026

💜 DAY 11 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 6 outlines the guiding principles for implementing the Convention. It emphasises that the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls must be respected and upheld. The article highlights the importance of a victim-centred approach in accessing justice, protection, and support services.

This means that women and girls should be treated with dignity, their rights should be respected, and their needs must be prioritised in responses to violence. Strong principles lead to stronger protection.

14/08/2026

💜DAY 10 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 5 emphasises the need for a criminal justice system that offers effective forensic, case management, prosecutorial, and legal services to victims.

It also mandates regular censuses and surveys to gather evidence that can inform improved laws, policies, and strategies, while promoting gender-responsive budgeting to support the implementation of the Convention.

Robust systems, reliable data, and sufficient resources are crucial for ending violence against women and girls.

13/08/2026

The Executive Director of Beakanying, Mr Nfamara Jawneh, has condemned Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) as a serious violation of human rights. He is calling for stronger community action and law enforcement to end this practice.

Speaking to this medium in August 2026, Jawneh stated that gender-based violence (GBV) takes many forms and affects individuals based on their gender. However, Beakanying has placed particular emphasis on FGM and child marriage due to the profound impact these practices have on the lives, health, and future opportunities of women and girls.

“It affects their overall well-being, particularly their health,” he explained. “As an organisation focusing on human rights, we recognise these practices as direct violations of those rights.”

Over the years, Beakanying has invested resources in advocacy and community engagement, particularly in rural areas, through its flagship LAHIDO program. LAHIDO, a Mandinka word meaning “promise,” brings together parents, grandparents, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and other community members to discuss the harmful effects of FGM and child marriage.

The Executive Director of Beakanying, Mr Nfamara Jawneh, has condemned Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) as a serious violation of human rights. He is calling for stronger community action and law enforcement to end this practice. Speaking to this medium in August 2026, Jawneh stated that gender-based...

13/08/2026

💜DAY 9 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 5 requires States Parties to create and enforce laws to combat all forms of violence against women and girls. These laws must provide protection in the private sphere, the public sphere, and cyberspace.

To effectively end violence, we need robust laws and proper enforcement in all areas where violence can occur. Women and girls deserve protection at home, in public spaces, and online.

Signing, ratifying and domesticating international instruments is not enough. Laws must be enforced. Commitments must translate into real protection, accountability and justice for women and girls—at home, in public spaces and online.

12/08/2026

The blade was waiting for her.

This was no ordinary blade. It carried the history of generations of women in Amina Camara's family—her grandmother had used it to perform circumcisions on hundreds of girls, and later, her mother continued the practice.

Now that her mother was growing old, the family expected Amina, as the firstborn daughter, to take her place. However, Amina had already endured the pain of female ge***al mutilation (FGM) herself.

Amina knew she could not become the person who would pass that experience on to another child. When the moment came for her to inherit the practice, Amina did something that challenged generations of family expectations: she said no.

“That day was the saddest day of my life,” she recalled. “All my siblings and other relatives gathered to convince me to inherit the blade.

The blade was waiting for her. This was no ordinary blade. It carried the history of generations of women in Amina Camara's family—her grandmother had used it to perform circumcisions on hundreds of girls, and later, her mother continued the practice. Now that her mother was growing old, the famil...

12/08/2026

💜 DAY 8 | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Article 4 emphasises the importance of providing comprehensive support services for victims and their families. This includes emergency assistance, counselling, and therapeutic programs.

Additionally, it advocates for stronger enforcement mechanisms within the health, social welfare, and justice systems to effectively address violence against women and girls. Ensuring support, protection, and access to justice is crucial for helping survivors receive the assistance they need and deserve.