Our history

The origins of WGK date back to 1987 when Dr. Adriana Kaplan, an anthropologist, initiated a research project at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The project focused on the study of migrations from sub-Saharan Africa to Spain and the anthropological analysis of acculturation processes and social integration in the field of sexual and reproductive health. Gradually, the focus shifted towards the study and prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) from a gender, longitudinal, circular, and transnational perspective.

In 1999, WGK was established as an organization based in Gambia. From its beginnings, it undertook a series of cooperation actions involving material donations aimed at improving the country's health infrastructure. WGK fostered agreements with major educational and health institutions to promote the study and approach to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). During this initial stage, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of the Republic, the Women's Bureau, the National Women's Council, and other stakeholders, the prevention of FGM in girls was promoted through an alternative methodological proposal, exemplified in the documentary "Initiation without Mutilation."

Simultaneously, in 2003, the Interdisciplinary Group for the Prevention and Study of Harmful Traditional Practices (GIPE/PTP) was established at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. It wasn't until 2008 that the "Transnational Observatory for Research Applied to New Strategies for the Prevention of FGM" was established with the support of the "La Caixa" Foundation. This observatory integrated the two research teams based in Barcelona and Banjul. The Wassu-UAB Foundation, established in 2012, represents the latest step in consolidating this project.

Since then, WGK has undertaken a series of interventions aimed at training healthcare professionals and health science students, designing and introducing modules in academic curricula, and grassroots awareness work within communities. This work methodology is complemented by applied research to create scientific evidence regarding the harms of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in women and girls. WGK's efforts have not been confined to Gambia, and its methodology has been disseminated to other countries on the continent, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and more recently, Senegal.

Among the most significant milestones in WGK's scientific work are the two clinical studies conducted between 2008 and 2011, at the request of the Vice President of the Republic, on the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). These studies provided the evidential support that, along with the tireless efforts of other Gambian organizations, ultimately led to the prohibition of FGM in 2015 through a law approved by the National Assembly.

In recent years, WGK has continued its awareness and training efforts, reaching over 12,000 rights holders with knowledge of their rights, responsibilities, and obligations. The organization acknowledges that legal prohibition alone is not sufficient to achieve the abandonment of this practice. Recognizing the interconnected nature of various forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls, WGK has expanded its vision and work with a gender and human rights focus. This includes addressing other harmful practices such as child marriage and adopting the broad concept of sexual and reproductive health and rights as a strategic space to advance gender equality.