SheTale Media Network

Growing up in Basse, he witnessed families making different choices about the practice. Some believed it was necessary to maintain culture and tradition, while others quietly rejected it.

“Those who supported it said it only involves removing a small part of the female reproductive system,” he said. At the time, he accepted those explanations without fully understanding the consequences many women and girls face after undergoing the practice.

His views began to change when debates surrounding FGM reached the National Assembly. Public discussions and awareness campaigns exposed him to information about the health risks and emotional trauma associated with the practice.

“Before that, I heard people say it was not good, but I did not believe it,” he admitted. “When it became a national discussion, I began to understand that it has harmful effects.”

Since then, Modou has used conversations at the market, within his family, and in his community to encourage people to abandon the practice.

From the Market Stalls to Community Advocacy: Modou Jaiteh Speaks Against FGM - SheTale Media Network At the busy Basse Market, where traders move from stall to stall, and customers bargain for daily necessities, young foodstuff vendor Modou Jaiteh spends his days serving people from different communities. Surrounded by bags of rice, onions, seasoning, and other household items, Modou is not only kn...