Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practices that involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia (clitoris) for non-medical reason. It can also be referred to as the altering or injuring of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This practice is a deeply entrenched social and cultural norm in many African and Middle-Eastern countries.
it is estimated globally that at least 200 million girls and women alive today in 30 countries worldwide have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It’s time to end the mythical beliefs surrounding FGM that allows this harmful practice to continue. In Sierra Leone, the prevalence rate of 86% shows that a huge percentage of women and girls age 15-49 have undergone this practice.
FGM is prevalent in Sierra Leone due to Bondo society, an all-female secret society governing a girl’s rites of passage into womanhood, including this harmful ritual. Aside from the health implications it has on women and girls, FGM is gender-based violence, steals girls’ futures, extends poverty and it can force girls out of school which leads to child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
the practice can cause short and long-term health complications, including chronic pain, infections, increased risk of HIV transmission, anxiety and depression, birth complications, infertility and in the worst cases death. It is internationally recognised as an extreme violation of the rights of women and girls.
To promote the abandonment of FGM, we are taking coordinated and systemic steps to engage communities and focus on human rights advocacy. We also address the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.
We are actively working with parents, children, stakeholders and communities to reduce this harmful practice in Sierra Leone.