IHRDA and partner Safe Hands for Girls (SHG) on 18-19 July 2017 organized a training workshop for Gambian Prosecutors and Child Welfare Officers, on legal provisions against FGM and other harmful practices affecting girls. The training was defined in a context whereby FGM and harmful practices such as child marriage, rape and deprivation of girls from education have been widespread across the country, whereas government of The Gambia has ratified various international treaties, and has recently adopted a series of domestic legislations that guarantee the welfare of women and girls. The aim of this training therefore was to acquaint and equip participants with domestic and international legal instruments that prohibit the above practices, in view of contributing to curb the prevalence of such violations in The Gambia. Some of the key topics discussed at the workshop include:

• The situation of FGM and harmful practices against women/girls in The Gambia; Negative consequences of harmful practices,
• An introduction to human rights: women’s rights are human rights,
• Gambian laws on FGM and other harmful practices against women/girls,
• African and international human rights instruments that address harmful practices against women and children: Maputo Protocol, ACERWC, CEDAW and CRC,
• Investigating and prosecuting harmful practices against girls.