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The Forum Against Harmful Practice (FAHP), a local advocacy group against bondo society and on violence against women and girls, has held a dialogue session with line ministries, Members of Parliament and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the Review of National Strategy draft for the reduction of FGM cases in Sierra Leone.

The successful consultation took place on Wednesday 22 January 2025 at Buxton Church Hall, Charles Street in Freetown.

The National Strategy was developed to address both health, social and economic risks associated with Bondo society practice on girls and on women as well as its effects on society.

The document serves as a tool for informed advocacy and cultural awareness against the practice of Bondo society and other related health aspects. In other to foster successful consultations among relevant line ministries, policymakers and CSOs, FAHP aims to create a comprehensive framework that prioritises education and awareness raising campaigns and to promote the “new cultural contexts” of bondo society.

Given the context of FGM in Sierra Leone, FAHP’s National Coordinator, Ishmael Cole said female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Cole said FGM refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external  female genitalia or other injury the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. He said the practice is deeply entrenched as a social and cultural norm in many places.

Coordinator Cole revealed the practice can cause short- and long-term health complications, including chronic pain, infections, increased risks of HIV transmissions, anxieties and depressions, birth complications, infertilities and, in worst cases, will lead to deaths. Cole said FGM is internationally recognized as an extreme violation of the rights of women and girls.

In Sierra Leone, according to Cole, the 2019 Demographic Health Survey, 83 percent of women age 15-49 have undergone FGM, with a total decrease of 90 percent in 2013. He said female circumcision occurs mostly between age 10 and age 14; 71 percent of women age 15-49 had FGM before the age of 15.

He said among women who have heard of FGM, 48 percent believes that it is not a requirement of their religion and 34 percent believe that FGM should not be continued. He pointed out that the prevalence of FGM in Sierra Leone increases by age.

He revealed that sixty-one percent of women age 15-19 have undergone FGM (bondo society) as compared to 95 percent of women aged 45-49. Eighty-seven percent of Muslim women  are more likely to have undergone FGM compared to 69 percent of Christian women.

He stated that the percentage of women who have undergone FGM is higher in rural areas than in urban areas (89 percent and 76 percent, respectively). The prevalence of FGM is high in the North-West province than other regions with (93 percent) and is low in the Southern province (74 percent). By district, the prevalence of FGM is high in Karene (98 percent) and low in Bo (65 percent).

In her PowerPoint presentation, the Director of Gender in the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Madam Goodie Sowonie spoke on the National Strategy for the reduction of FGM.

Given the reasons for the national strategy, she said the strategy focuses on a coherent FGC method for abandonment to have a clear vision and approach on how to reduce FGM. The strategy, according to her, will bring together government, civil society and development partners to fight off FGM or minimize it.

The strategy enhances coordination, accountability and implementation of evidence based interventions for FGM reduction. She said the vision of the strategy is to ensure that Sierra Leone is free from FGM, stating that the goal is to reduce the prevalence of FGM by 20%.

The Chairperson of FAHP, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, who led the discussion and action point on the National FGM Reduction Strategy said the focus of the strategy is meant to open up a wider awareness raising campaign on the reduction of FGM practice in communities. Turay said Sierra Leone remains the highest infant mortality rate country in the world.

Rugiatu Turay said because there are no specific laws against FGM in Sierra Leone (apart from the Child Rights Act which is sometimes invoked), and as FAHP education is therefore key to changing mindsets. She stated that education helps women build their self-esteem to challenge issues and to question old traditions.

With education, girls will have the opportunity to make informed decisions.

She revealed that men need to change their perceptions about uncut girls and culture, adding that they need to be engaged so that they can accept their girls, sisters, to grow healthy. In most cases, she said women put pressure to have their daughters cut because they believe it’s the only way their children will find a husband.

She pointed out that FGM is seen as a way to satisfy the desire of men.

By Ragan M. Conteh

The remarkable anniversary marks 10 years of relentless fight to end all forms of harmful traditional practices including gender based violence in the country.

Making her statement on the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay traced back the organization’s history, “I underwent female genital mutilaion (DGM) when I was eleven years and I know how it hurts me because I had to sleep nights and nights of severe pains with no showers. On the third day when it was time to have our first bath, the Soweis examined me and declared that the mutilation was not well performed and that they needed to remove the remaining clitoris that was left with me.”

Madam Turay was speaking on Thursday 5th October 2024 during a national high profile policy engagement. The engagement was held at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

Madam Turay continued: after being remutilated, this time around it was not only a physical torture but a psychological torture that left an everlasting scare in her  her memory. She revealed that almost all FAHP members are  survivors who have taken the venture to speak with one voice by ending FGM.

“We have never changed our objectives neither our mission nor vision. From its inception stage,FAHP vision is very clear which is to see Sierra Leone free from FGM,” she said. She stated other organizations had been  seeing FGM as a taboo topic to discuss in public.

The Chairperson said FAHP has made a lot of progress towards building the movement to end female genital mutilation by reaching out to areas where it is practiced.

She said in villages they have formed community ambassadors, school clubs of influence, change  makers, (Soweis) clubs, father and man’s club when paramount chief are also members.

Madam Turay stated that slave trade, cannibalism, human sacrifice amongst others were cultural practices that are unacceptable, adding that FGM cannot be an exception.

She stated that FGM violates every right a woman should enjoy and that, she added, other countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and America where FGM is practiced have passed laws to ban it.

“I attended a four days retreat on FGM with other ten countries in Kenya. Most have banned FGM except my country.

“I listened alternatively as each and every participant shared their experiences in the field and how much challenges they faced even with the laws. When it was my turn to speak, the moderator said, can we listen  to Rugiatu Turay from Sierra Leone where there is no law banning FGM but numbers are decreasing. We must learn from her to know what they are doing differently that is making the change and decreasing the numbers in their country,” she said.

Rugiatu stated that her answer was simple, they are following a national strategy that was developed by the Sierra Leone Government which was never approved by the same government.

She revealed that as Anti FGM campaigners mostly survivors believe they have a responsibility first for their people to understand that FGM practice is wrong and dangerous not only to women but for entire community where it is practiced.

She said they have to make sure communities believe that they respect and honor the bondo culture as the only traditional space for women by creating an alternative rite of passage that is comumunity and cultural based.

The alternative rite named Neneh’s strategy is based on indigenous knowledge developed by the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) and if fully accepted and implemented will not only uphold the beauty of Bondo culture but will eliminate the harmful practice and it’s a sustainable solution that will also address climate change, women Iradership and empowerment.

The Secretary of the Forum Against Harmful Practices, Madam Aminata Koroma, in her presentation, informed the gathering that FAHP was formally established on 26 June 2014 as a national coalition to respond to the increasing need for collaborative work among organisations working towards the reduction and ultimate eradication of Harmful Practices (HPs).

These practices, according to her, 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.

Giving the vision of FAHP, Madam Koroma said the Coalition wants to see a “Sierra Leone free from all forms of harmful practices including FGM”.

She said the mission is to see FAHP speak with unified voice against Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs), where women and girls are able to exercise the enjoyment of their Human Rights and to reach their full potential. “We work towards ensuring that FGM interventions are better coordinated for impact in Sierra Leone,” Madam Koroma said.

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.

FAHP, a leading advocacy group against human abuse and violations, has concluded a National High Profile Dialogue with Stakeholders in Port Loko.

The essence of the dialogue was to underscore a review of the National Strategy for the Reduction of FM/C.

In 2015, the Government of Sierra Leone through the then Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, including UN Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations drafted a National Strategy for the Reduction of FGM/C. The Strategy was set to run for the period of 2016 to 2020.

It was a detailed and comprehensive roadmap of interventions to prevent, reduce and end incidences of FGM/C in Sierra Leone.

The strategy was never approved regardless of the national consultations and validations and engagements with the previous government of Sierra Leone.

Series of engagements were being held recently with the line Ministries of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Public and Political Affairs, Social Welfare, Education, Local Government and Rural Development and Internal Affairs of the current government and political parties to influence the approval of the Strategy but it is still being faced with challenges in getting a way out.

The Strategy was meant to enhance Government’s commitment in the fight against FGM/C in the country. The engagement had a massive turnout of MPs, Mayors and Paramount Chiefs from various districts. The engagement was fruitful and stakeholders pledged their allegiance to supporting the approval of the strategy.

By Ragan M. Conteh

The forum against harmful practice (FAHP) has commenced a two day training on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and on the Sierra Leone National Action Plan.

The training which is supported by Medica Mondiale is ongoing at the Hotel 5:10 in Freetown.

In her presentation, Anita Esther Momoh, from the Gender Ministry, said the UNSCR is anchored on 4 main pillars and one is on prevention of conflict and all forms of violence against women and girls.

According to Anita Momoh, she said it increases the participation of women and their leadership in peace and security processes. She said that the training also geared towards the protection of women and girls from violence, including sexual and gender-based violence.

She intimated that the UNSCR 1325 protocol also anchored on relief and recovery thereby addressing women’s and girls’ relief and recovery needs during conflicts and post-conflict situations. She stated that it is about the prevention of conflicts and all forms of violence against women and girls.

She stressed that it leads to the adoption and implementation of laws and policies that integrate a gender perspective into peace and security including advising for the allocation of adequate budget to government departments that address women’s issues above.

She pointed out that the agenda work towards ensuring an inclusion of women in decision-making positions in institutions for peace and security. She maintained that it is an establishment for an early warning and response mechanisms that reflect a gender perspective. She however stated that it has measures to prevent and reduce incidents of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.

Madam Anita Momoh said the resolution also serves as a protection of women and girls from violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. It also about the adoption of legal and policy frameworks that protect the rights of women, including women protection from sexual and gender-based violence.

It also includes the mechanisms for implementing the laws and policies for protecting women’s rights including sexual and gender-based violence, laying out mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the laws and policies for protecting women’s rights including protection from sexual and gender-based violence.

The measures are taken to capacitate security forces to protect women’s rights, including on the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence.

The UNSCR protocol contains training on measures established to respond to women and girl survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Quality of sexual and gender-based violence protection and response measures, access, budget, staff. It also informs about measures taken to protect the rights of women in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camp.

By Ragan M. Conteh

After 20 Bondo women graduated from bloodless Bondo in Moyamba District, the Executive Secretary, Madam Aminata Koroma and her entourage, paid visit to Madam Yoko’s grave in Moyamba township.

Madam Yoko is known to be the founder of the Bondo Secret society in Sierra Leone, a strong woman that initiated many full grown women.

Speaking at the grave site of Madam Yoko, the Executive Secretary of the Forum Against Harmful Practices  (FAHP), Aminata Koroma said the visit was to pour libation and to give respect to the late, and strong woman of Sierra Leone.

According to Madam  Koroma, through the support of Irish Aid,  forum member organisations praise the foundation to have successfully completed the first Alternative Rite of Passage of girls and women in Moyamba District. She said the 20 new initiates had gone through all the Bondo processes except the procedure of cutting the female genitalia.

She stated that, the ceremony was very colorful and they took the 20 initiates to Madam Yoko grave site in respect of her hard work towards standing for women empowerment in the country.

Madam Koroma maintained that the forum first piloted bloodless Bondo in Moyamba District will go down in the history of this nation.

She lauded the people of Moyamba for embracing what they believe is a “stress-free bondo” and called for collaborative efforts by all to end FGM in Sierra Leone. She also assured Soweis and parents of continued support to initiate more women into the safer Bondo for women and girls.

Making his statement on the graduation / exhibition ceremonies, the Paramount Chief of Kayanba Chiefdom, PC Foday Momoh Kulama said the initiation of 20 women in the bloodless Bondo  is a new beginning of a turn around.

He welcomed all the concerned organisations in his district and thanked them for initiating a safer cultural practice in his district. Chief Kulama said the new culture resonates with the need to end the wicked culture against women and girls.

He pointed out that as Paramount Chief he  strongly supports a culture that will bring women together and other educative platforms. He pledged to always stand with Praise Foundation and FAHP to empower women in his district.

The head of Sowies in Kaiyamba Chiefdom who handed over the 20 new initiates to the Paramount Chief said all the girls have gone through all the Bondo processes and are now full grown women who can make their decisions.

She said the ceremony was very successful as all the girls never underwent FGM but passed through all the Bondo society ceremonies and could enter any Bondo society bushes across the district. She thanked Praise Foundation and FAHP for their unwavering commitment to transforming the institution to a unique and unified force.

“Since we began to put Bondo society, this is the best ever, we eat, we have funds and everything is available and it doesn’t cost parents a dime,” she confirmed.

The head of Soweis at Kayanba chiefdom pleaded to FAHP and Praise Foundation to help and continue with the bloodless in the district.

Praise Foundation focal person, Elizabeth Bangura said some of  the 20 graduands are University students, WASSCE and BECE students. She said they scrutinise them and make sure they are not underage. She thanked Irish Aid through FAHP for supporting the Foundation to have the first batch of bloodless Bondo ceremony in Moyamba District.

She said the ceremony serve as an eye opener and a direction for women and girls to be empowered in future. She dilated on the need for more support to have such ceremonies in the not too distant future. She pledged for more robust activism among women and girls to stopping the retrogressive tradition.

WAVES Project Officer made a statement and the Chiefdom Speaker of Kayanba Chiefdom also lauded the venture and pleaded for more education on the dangers associated to FGM.

The Director of Praise Foundation, Martin Moriwai also expressed his organisation’s commitment to transforming the lives of the vulnerable in the district. He pointed out that the bloodless Bondo is a testament of his foundation and partners’ relentless efforts to push for safe culture for women and girls. He also give accolade to all those soweis that participated in the pilot bloodless rite in the district.

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.