Forum Against Harmful Practices Sierra Leone (FAHP SL)
FAHP is a coalition of national and International organizations working towards ending Harmful Traditional Practices like (female genital mutilation (FGM, Child Marriage and Sexual Gender based violence and promote the rights of women)
Organizational background
FAHP was formally established on the 26th of June2014 as a national coalition to respond to the increasing need for collaborative work among organizations working towards the reduction and ultimate eradication of Harmful Practices (HP’s). These practices include but are not limited to child/forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) which can contribute to reproductive health problems, teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality and violence against women.
FAHP was established to build on the work of the first National Coalition as a unifying force to coordinate the activities of organizations working on the issues of HPs. FAHP holds the view that Harmful Practices (HPs) are so labelled because they impact negatively on the human rights of those concerned and as such, must be replaced over time with progressive and supportive activities that help all Sierra Leoneans to reach their full potential.
Vision
A country of girls and boys, women and men who are able to exercise full enjoyment of their human rights and reach their full potential free from all forms of harmful practices.
Mission
To speak with unified voice and work towards effective solutions in an effort to emancipate individuals and communities from harmful practices throughout Sierra Leone.
Governance structure
FAHP has an Executive Committee which comprise of not more than nine (9) members with all regions represented. These include the following offices: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and the Project Committee Chairperson with the proviso that the numerical majority of the Executive be women. The tenure of office of each executive is two years and the chairmanship is rotational. The executive works by an established constitution which dictates the legal functions of the executive. FAHP operates a current account with 4 signatories, 2 As and two Bs. Funds can only be withdrawn based on activities and with two signatories A and B.
Our Strategies
FAHP’s main strategies are lobbying and advocacy for policy development and enactment. Our activities are implemented mostly through the following activities:
Dialogue with key stakeholders for legislation and policy matters
Trainings on Human right effect of FGM on health and advocacy techniques
Media engagement
Alternate Livelihood support for Sowei’s
Development and distribution of IEC materials
Celebration of special days.
Raising awareness on FGM from a health and human rights perspective,
Facilitate development of bylaws, MoUs, with Soweis /Digbas
Community mobilization and sensitization
FAHP has successfully implemented activities which has contributed to increasing awareness of the need to address FGM/C. They have drawn government’s attention to its international commitments and treaties/conventions signed on eliminating of harmful traditional practices including FGM/C. They have undertaken countless advocacy activities on elimination of FGM with a recent one being the commemoration of the Zero Tolerance Day against FGM/C on February 6 2017. FAHP have worked together with NGOS to reduce the prevalence of FGM/C through changes of social and cultural practices and advocating for change. With support from Wallace global and UNICEF, FAHP has held consultations and dialogue sessions with Paramount chiefs and Traditional leaders, Religious and Opinion leaders, Initiators commonly known as the Soweis or Digbas, parents and girls at risk on the dangers of FGM/C.
