By Ragan M. Conteh
The attention of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has been drawn to a recent disappointing and frustrating incident in Kenema District concerning report of about 50 girls (over 50 percent below 18 years and the youngest of the age group about 3 years old) that were subjected to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).
The incidents took place in a Bondo Bush in the Gbo – Kakajama Section, Nongowa Chiefdom in Kenema District.
FAHP strongly condemns this unfortunate event at a time the government of Sierra Leone is working on an “Age of Consent” on the practice.
The action of the organizers of such an alarming magnitude of a practice considered HARMFUL by the World Health Organisation (WHO) breaches the “Convention on the Rights of the Child” and other international human rights obligations including the Maputu Protocol to which Sierra Leone is a signatory.
FAHP investigation team confirmed that the mass initiation was sponsored by a woman who together with her family is based in the United States of America (USA).
Painfully, some of the children cut and held in the Bondo Bush are school going children. These children missed out their schooling circle, more especially the end of school examination period that is a determinant to the promotion to the next level of education.
FAHP is extremely concerned that these children have been robbed of their bodily autonomy, health and dignity. Meanwhile, FAHP has worked with other partners including community stakeholders to ensure the safety of the children.
Therefore, FAHP has called on the government of Sierra Leone through its respective line ministries including Gender and Children’s Affairs and Education to take concrete steps against the perpetrators and the well-being of the children.
The coalition stands in solidarity with the girls of Gbo – Kakajama section, Nongowa Chiefdom in Kenema District and all children at risk of FGM/Cutting, reaffirming their commitment to a future where every child can grow up free from violence and discrimination.