Bloodless Bondo Rite Introduced in Moyamba District
On August 31, 2024, the Praise Foundation, in collaboration with the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), officially introduced the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP), also known as the Bloodless Bondo Rite, in Moyamba District. This landmark ceremony, held in Kayama Chiefdom, was funded by Irish Aid and marked a significant step toward eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the region. The event was well-attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from Irish Aid, the Moyamba District Chief, religious leaders, councilors, and trained Soweis from Praise Foundation in Moyamba and WAVES in Niawa Lega, Bo District.
The ceremony also drew participants from local clubs of influence, such as Mothers and Husbands Clubs, the Teachers Union of Moyamba, and numerous district residents, all of whom gathered to support this transformative initiative.
The Alternative Rite of Passage preserves the cultural essence of the Bondo Society while eliminating the harmful practice of FGM. Under this new rite, all traditional Bondo rituals are observed, except the cutting of female genitalia. Importantly, the Soweis who perform these rites continue to receive full payment from families for the initiation of their girls, ensuring their livelihoods are not adversely affected by the change.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has historically led to the loss of countless lives and inflicted lifelong trauma on many women and girls. The Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) represents a significant shift, aiming to protect the health and well-being of young girls while maintaining the vital cultural and social functions of the Bondo Society. Bondo has long been recognized as a safe space where women and girls forge strong bonds, acquire essential skills, prepare for marriage, and resolve personal issues.
This ceremony in Moyamba marks the third successful implementation of the ARP in Sierra Leone, following pilot projects by FAHP partners Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) in Port Loko and Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) in Niawa Lega, Bo District.
The event commenced with a powerful statement from Councilor Elizabeth Dambo, a FAHP outreach officer, who highlighted the dual importance of the ARP: preserving cultural heritage while safeguarding the health and futures of girls. “The Alternative Rite of Passage will help us retain our cultural identity and ensure the well-being of our daughters,” she affirmed.
Further remarks were delivered by prominent figures, emphasizing the significance of this declaration and FAHP’s dedicated efforts to eradicate FGM in Moyamba, supported by Irish Aid. Reverend Jane Lahai from the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) poignantly noted, “The practice of FGM began here in Moyamba, initiated by Madam Yoko decades ago. But as we have witnessed the devastating impact on our women and girls, we have chosen to end it by embracing the ARP.”
The Chief speaker of Kayama Chiefdom, Abdul Gboyawa, addressed the Soweis directly, expressing his support for the ARP initiative and reassuring the community of the Soweis’ commitment to upholding the law. Mrs. Elizabeth Bangura, another FAHP outreach officer, shared insights from the Soweis’ engagement in the Changemakers Club, where they voiced their interest in piloting the ARP. She also highlighted FAHP’s broader efforts to establish Anti-FGM clubs, set up Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and support community development through well construction and school rehabilitation.
Nafisatu Jalloh, representing Irish Aid, reaffirmed their partnership with Praise Foundation and FAHP, noting that the well-being of women and children has always been central to their mission in Sierra Leone. She emphasized the potential for the ARP to foster the development of women and girls, stating, “If our girls are educated, the future of Sierra Leone will see more women in leadership roles, including politics.”
The Soweis responded enthusiastically to these statements, expressing their approval with chants of support.
Madam Aminata Koroma, Executive Secretary of FAHP, reflected on her personal connection to the Bondo Society and her long-standing commitment to advocacy. She recounted a tragic incident that fueled their resolve: “We lost a 19-year-old girl with a promising future to FGM. This is a sin against God, and when a life is lost, you are held accountable by the law.” She urged the Soweis to embrace the ARP to ensure that Bondo remains a safe and empowering space for women and girls.
The Director of Praise Foundation added, “As someone raised within the society, I understand the significance of Bondo. But human rights have brought to light the detrimental impact of FGM on our girls. Everything about the Bondo is valuable, except the cutting. Now, we are embracing the ARP.”
The Head Sowei of Niawa Lega Chiefdom shared her experience of piloting the ARP in Bo, noting the positive impact on school attendance and the reduction of teenage pregnancies in their district. She concluded her remarks by symbolically handing over the “disarm” attire to the Head Sowei of Moyamba, signifying the official transition to the ARP.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt declaration from the Head Sowei of Moyamba, Jane Caulker, who recounted the journey toward embracing the ARP. “When we started, people laughed at us, but now they admire our efforts. We have committed ourselves to upholding the ARP, and today, we declare that FGM is no more—we embrace the ARP.”
Her assistant gave the vote of thanks, reiterating that FGM has officially ended in Kayama Chiefdom, marking a new chapter in the preservation of Bondo culture without harm.