AJS supports Malian women lawyers in fight against female genital mutilation

The Association of Senegalese Women Lawyers (AJS) has expressed its support for the Association of Malian Women Lawyers (AJM) in its efforts to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) in Mali.

In a letter addressed to the AJM president, AJS president Aminata Fall Niang said these practices constitute a violation of human rights. She highlighted in particular their impact on the fundamental rights, safety, dignity, physical and psychological integrity, and health of women and girls.

A collective mobilisation deemed necessary

For the AJS, eliminating FGM requires collective, sustained and coordinated action. The association cited civil society organisations, public authorities, legal and health professionals, community leaders, the media and affected communities among those called on to contribute to the fight.

The Senegalese organisation also recalled its commitment to international and regional agreements aimed at eliminating violence and harmful practices against women and girls. It referred to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.

Prevention, justice and support

The AJS stressed the role of women’s rights organisations, particularly African associations of women lawyers. Their work includes advocating for stronger legal frameworks, survivors’ access to justice, violence prevention and changing the social norms that perpetuate these practices.

According to the association, the fight must be based on a human rights-based approach. This includes prevention, support for survivors, prosecution and accountability for perpetrators, as well as education, awareness-raising and empowering communities.

Finally, the AJS said it is ready to deepen its collaboration with the AJM through the sharing of experiences, joint advocacy initiatives, community awareness-raising and capacity-building for those working to protect the rights of women and girls.