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Madam Aminata Koroma, the current Executive Secretary for the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), has been a relentless advocate for women’s and girls’ rights for over 20 years.

Her notable contributions to the movement against harmful traditional practices in Sierra Leone especially against Bondo initiation of girls and women, have earned her a spot on the spotlight for the prestigious 7th Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards 2024.
With vast experience working alongside both national and international organizations, Madam Koroma has committed her career to eradicating practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and advocating for the empowerment of women and girls.
Her dedication reflects a deep-rooted belief that every individual has the right to live free from harm and to thrive in an environment that promotes gender equity.

As the Executive Secretary of the FAHP, Madam Koroma leads a coalition of 26 national organizations working to combat harmful practices, particularly those that negatively impact women and girls. Her leadership plays a critical role in raising awareness about the consequences of these practices, particularly within the Bondo Society, where FGM has longstanding cultural ties. By mobilizing community leaders, engaging grassroots organizations, and initiating advocacy campaigns, Madam Koroma has positioned the FAHP as a key player in the fight against these harmful traditions.

Her efforts illustrate her commitment to transforming societal norms and practices that perpetuate gender inequality.
Madam Koroma’s extensive background in advocacy and activism has equipped her with the skills necessary to address the intricate challenges faced by women and girls in Sierra Leone. Her work has not only involved direct advocacy but also the development of educational programs aimed at empowering women and girls to assert their rights.
By providing resources and training, she ensures that young women and girls have the tools they require to challenge traditional norms and pursue opportunities in education and employment. This holistic approach fosters a generation of empowered individuals who are prepared to dismantle oppressive practices and advocate for equal treatment for all.
Through the FAHP, Madam Koroma has built collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders, including governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders. These alliances have been instrumental in fortifying the movement against harmful practices.

By fostering dialogue among different sectors of society, she has facilitated a shared understanding of the adverse effects of FGM and other harmful practices, generating collective action toward the eradication of these traditions.
Her collaborative efforts are particularly significant as they highlight the importance of community engagement in creating sustainable change.

The recognition of Madam Koroma at the 7th Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards 2024 serves not only as an acknowledgment of her hard work but also as a rallying call to action within Sierra Leone as it also underscores the significance of addressing harmful traditional practices and the need for continuous dialogue on gender equity.
By highlighting the contributions of dedicated individuals like Madam Koroma, the awards aim to inspire others to engage in advocacy and activism, creating a wave of change that can ripple throughout communities.

Her recognition brings renewed focus on the FAHP’s mission and the collective fight for a society free from gender-based violence.
Madam Aminata Koroma’s enduring commitment and activism in the fight against harmful practices make her a deserving woman to be honoured at the upcoming Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards. Her leadership within the Forum Against Harmful Practices has solidified her position as a strong pillar of hope for many women and girls who are striving for a better future in Sierra Leone. By championing the cause of gender equity and providing essential support systems, Koroma is not only advocating for significant changes today but also working toward the realization of a society where women and girls can flourish, and be free from the shackles of harmful traditions. Through her continued efforts, she exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated activism in the pursuit of justice and equality.

The Forum Against Harmful Practices recently celebrated Zero Tolerance Day for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in collaboration with partners Praise Foundation in Moyamba and MOAWOMA in Kenema, emphasizing a collective commitment to eradicating this harmful practice. Observed annually on February 6th, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness and mobilize efforts towards complete elimination by 2030. This year’s theme, “Her Voice. Her Future: Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation,” underscores the importance of empowering survivors and incorporating their experiences into advocacy efforts against FGM. Thus, the forum’s celebration aligns seamlessly with global initiatives aimed at fostering survivor-led movements.

Despite advancements in reducing FGM prevalence worldwide, significant challenges remain. The United Nations has called for coordinated community engagement to address deeply rooted cultural norms that perpetuate such practices. The complexities surrounding anti-FGM policies necessitate a nuanced approach that considers cultural contexts while tackling ethical dilemmas associated with traditional practices. For instance, while zero-tolerance policies focus on traditional forms of genital cutting, they often overlook other procedures that involve similar tissue removal. This inconsistency raises questions regarding the broader implications of anti-FGM initiatives and highlights the need for comprehensive discussions involving diverse community stakeholders.

In conclusion, the celebration of Zero Tolerance Day for FGM by the Forum Against Harmful Practices represents an important step toward building awareness and fostering collaborative solutions. By prioritizing survivor-led initiatives and addressing cultural complexities surrounding FGM, stakeholders can work together more effectively to combat this harmful tradition and promote gender equity globally.

Research conducted by Owolabi Bjälkander and colleagues sheds light on the severe health complications associated with female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, a country with one of the highest rates of FGM globally. The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 258 women and girls who had undergone FGM, predominantly between the ages of 10 and 14. The findings revealed that an alarming 84.5% of participants experienced complications such as excessive bleeding, delayed or incomplete healing, and tenderness (Owolabi, 2023). These statistics underscore the urgent need for addressing the health ramifications of FGM in this region.

Furthermore, the research indicated that girls subjected to FGM before the age of 10 were particularly vulnerable to serious complications. This demographic is at a heightened risk for immediate health issues like fever and prolonged recovery times. Despite the prevalence of these complications, it was noted that while approximately 85.8% sought treatment, most opted for traditional healers rather than medical professionals. This reliance on non-medical interventions highlights significant gaps in healthcare access and awareness regarding FGM-related health issues (Owolabi, 2023).

The implications of Owolabi’s findings are profound; they point towards an essential need for increased education on the dangers associated with FGM and improved healthcare resources in Sierra Leone. Initiatives aimed at raising awareness about immediate health risks could promote better treatment-seeking behaviors among affected women and girls. Ultimately, addressing these issues is crucial not only for improving individual health outcomes but also for fostering broader societal change regarding harmful cultural practices like FGM.