Amie* is a 16 year old student at Unity Comprehensive Senior Secondary School who was recently interviewed by a YouTuber. She was still in her uniform when the interviewer asked her to interpret a few "sexting" emojis which she did.

The video went viral upon release and has led to the school suspending Amie* for the rest of the semester despite claiming that Amie* is the victim in this situation. The suspension of Amie* means she will be unable to attend her regular school lessons which puts her at an added disadvantage of being left behind, failing and/or staying out of school.

Girls have historically been excluded and kept away from school. They continue to be removed from schools for having their periods, FGM, child marriages etc. In The Gambia, this also includes the removal of girls from school for their clothing, hair, dancing on camera and, in this case, the interpretation of emojis. This sort of punishment is arbitrary and detrimental. It perpetuates the policing of the bodies and expression of girls while causing more harm by denying them of their right and access to education.

Kindly sign this petition urging the Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education and the Ministry for Women, Children & Social Welfare to take action and intervene for the reinstatement of Amie* back in school. If you have any contact details of the school, feel free to send an email urging them to reinstate Amie*. Together we can #KeepGirlsInSchool 

*Amie is not the name of the student mentioned herein. The name is being used to secure her identity and confidentiality as she is a minor.