The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) celebrates another significant milestone in its continued efforts to promote Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP), popularly known as Bloodless Bondo.
On 9 August 2026, Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM), in partnership with the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), and support from the Irish Aid, successfully conducted an Alternative Rite of Passage for 55 girls in Mabalay Village, Thawuya Section, Bakeh Loko Chiefdom, Port Loko District.
This milestone is part of Irish Aid’s unwavering support, with four previous ARP initiatives supported by Irish Aid across districts, and two pending. This sustained support demonstrates Irish Aid’s commitment to advance culturally grounded approaches that protect the right and dignity of women girls while addressing harmful practices.
The ceremony brought together parents, traditional leaders, Bondo practitioners (Soweis), FGM survivors, Born Perfect Girls, community members, development partners, well-wishers and Community FGM Ambassadors, who gathered to witness and celebrate the girls’ journey.
As part of the rite, the girls participated in key cultural processes, including the hand-washing ceremony, Fainkray movement and recitations, and ceremonial entry into the Kantha, where they continued their learning and preparation. The process proceeded through (Lukneh) and culminated in their graduation and transition into Shema.
The celebration demonstrated that Bondo’s cultural identity can be preserved without FGM. Through songs, dancing, teachings, sisterhood and other cultural expressions, the girls experienced a rite that celebrates tradition while protecting them from the pain, trauma and lifelong health consequences associated with cutting.
The essence of Alternative Rites of Passage: ending FGM does not mean ending culture. It means supporting communities to preserve what is meaningful in their traditions while leaving harmful practices behind.
The successful completion of the rite by 55 girls marks another step in the collective effort to build a future where culture, tradition and the rights of girls can coexist.
THIS IS A CULTURE WORTH CELEBRATING!
