Urgent

Hurricane Helene has sent many into a state of emergency. Donate here to help those directly impacted.

The Mountain Fire in Ventura County is having a devastating impact on residents. We are asking for donations to quickly deliver cash relief grants into the hands of those impacted.

Back to all
  • $50,000
  • Malawi

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating harmful practices which negatively impact women and girls in The Gambia. The organization aims to raise awareness on issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and gender-based violence. It also implements community-based programs to empower girls, providing education on topics such as sexual and reproductive health and rights. To date, the organization has engaged thousands of girls and community members to promote a protective environment free of discrimination. 

Girls in The Gambia face significant challenges which affect their health, education, and well-being. According to UNICEF, approximately 46 percent of girls who are 14 or younger have experienced FGM; that number increases to 73 percent for women and girls between 15 and 49 years of age. FGM is often seen as a rite of passage before marriage, which means girls are often expected to marry shortly after they have undergone FGM. GAMCOTRAP is committed to changing this reality, recognizing that every girl deserves a safe, dignified life with self-determination. 

With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, GAMCOTRAP will provide safe space clubs for adolescent girls, scaling its grassroots efforts to end FGM. The project will use a participatory approach to empower adolescent girls and provide inclusive spaces where they can openly discuss the issues affecting them. The organization will also host intergenerational discussions, so that girls have increased support at home in navigating challenges. Additionally, GAMCOTRAP will implement peer-led clubs for girls to exercise their leadership skills and share the lessons they have learned with other adolescent girls in their communities. 

GAMCOTRAP expects to support 700 girls through its project. Through this work, GAMCOTRAP hopes to decrease the rates of FGM in The Gambia while equipping girls with the tools to advocate for themselves and their rights. As an end goal, the organization envisions a future in which every girl can lead a life with dignity and opportunity. To learn more about GAMCOTRAP, visit the organization’s website and social media pages:

See more projects: Africa, Child Marriage, Gender-based Violence