Studies show that girls in The Gambia are sexually active by the teen age of 12 and the rate of pregnancy is increasing among them. But how many of them attempt to abort only to die? Not much is known, but here’s a suggestion that might turn eyes on abortion.
A Grade 12 student attending Methodist Academy wants it to be made legal in The Gambia to reduce the number of young women that die from dangerous abortions held in discreet locations.
Joanna Gomez, who aspires to be a gynaecologist, said women should be allowed to make decisions about their own bodies, arguing that the right to abortion is vital for gender equality.
“Abortion should be legal. A right women should have,” she said during a chat with What’s On-Gambia.
Joanna added that parents should talk about the use of contraceptives with their children and also help them with counselling about sexual decision-making.
On gender violence, she said: “Men should understand that women are not punching bags. We are equals. If they are angry, let them hit the wall – not us!”
Joanna is one of the brightest students in her school. Unlike most of her classmates in the science class, she is very opinionated and passionate about gender issues.