By Amin Kef Sesay
Bonthe District, the birthplace of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has taken significant steps in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) following his recent address during a Presidential Town Hall meeting. The President emphasized the importance of preserving African cultures while outlining Government plans to address the harmful practice of FGM.
In a collaborative effort, the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) and the MEN ENDFGM Foundation (MEF), with funding from the Wallace Global Fund, concluded a three-day training program aimed at eradicating FGM. The program brought together police officers, community stakeholders, including chiefs, men’s clubs, Soweis (traditional leaders) and nurses, focusing on human rights, legal frameworks and efforts to end FGM in Sierra Leone.
Held on July 28th, 29th, and 30th in Moriba Town, within the Sierra Rutile mining community in the Imperri Chiefdom of Bonthe District, the training sessions included education on an alternative rite of passage (ARP) known as bloodless Bondo. This ARP, piloted in Port Loko and Tonkolili Districts, offers a culturally sensitive, non-harmful alternative to traditional practices.
Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, Country Director of AIM-Sierra Leone, highlighted her organization’s commitment to promoting and protecting women’s and girls’ cultural heritage while eliminating the FGM component from the Bondo tradition. She clarified that AIM and other organizations are not against the Bondo society itself but are advocating for the removal of harmful practices.
“For decades, women and communities in Sierra Leone have suffered numerous medical, social and economic implications due to the practice of Female Genital Mutilation,” stated Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay. She pointed out that FGM perpetuates poverty and health issues among women, especially in rural areas, where traditional pressures often prevent open discussions about its adverse effects.
Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay urged Police Officers to utilize local, regional and international laws to investigate and prosecute FGM cases, emphasizing that no law exempts FGM-related violence and torture from legal action. She also called on traditional leaders to stop licensing Soweis, warning that they could be considered accomplices in cases of FGM-related deaths.
Participants, including community members and police officers, expressed their appreciation for the education provided by AIM-SL. Kadiatu Kamara shared her harrowing experience during childbirth, attributing her difficulties to FGM. Ishmael Sandi, a Police Officer, acknowledged the challenges they face in prosecuting FGM cases due to community threats.
Soweis and chiefs who attended the training pledged to work with AIM-SL to modernize the Bondo society and eliminate FGM. The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to educate vulnerable communities about the dangers of FGM and the urgent need to eradicate it in Sierra Leone.
