By Ragan M. Conteh

In a powerful demonstration of advocacy and solidarity, the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), in collaboration with WAVES, Action Medeor, Irish Aid, and Purposeful, marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with a high-profile event in Mile 91, Tonkolili District, northern Sierra Leone.

The gathering brought together women’s organizations from across the country, uniting in a shared commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and advancing gender equality.

Since its inception in 1911, IWD has been a global platform for celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about gender-based discrimination, and driving action toward equality.

This year’s event in Sierra Leone was no exception, as women from all walks of life converged to demand an end to harmful practices that continue to endanger their rights, dignity and future.

As a call to action in ending FGM and Gender-Based Violence, the chairman of the event, Mr. Ishmael Cole, a renowned HeForShe champion and FAHP acting National Coordinator praised the resilience of women leading the fight against gender-based violence. He emphasized that IWD is not just a celebration but a reminder of the ongoing struggles for women’s equality, reproductive rights, and freedom from violence and abuse.

Mr. Cole urged women to remain steadfast in their pursuit of liberation from harmful practices like FGM, stressing that progress can only be achieved through collective action and persistent advocacy.

Talking about the harsh reality of FGM on a survivor’s perspective, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, a leading advocate for women’s rights, delivered a passionate speech on the devastating impact of FGM. She highlighted the lifelong physical, psychological, and social consequences faced by survivors, stating:

“The removal of the clitoris for no medical reason has led to severe suffering for countless women. It increases child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts, while also contributing to high infant mortality rates. Ending FGM is crucial for our girls to focus on their education and build a future free from oppression.”

Madam Turay emphasized that education plays a key role in empowering girls, enabling them to build confidence and challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence against women.

“Ending FGM, means, reducing teenage pregnancies, lowering infant mortality rates and breaking the cycle of poverty. I dream of a world where women live without fear whether in the bedroom or the labour room,” Madam Turay added.

She also debunked common myths around FGM, including the belief that it prepares girls for adulthood, preserves virginity, or enhances beauty. Instead, she called on women to reclaim their cultural identity without resorting to harmful traditional practices.

Holding leaders accountable, one of the critical themes of the event was accountability. Madam Turay called on politicians to stop using FGM as a tool for electoral gains and instead focus on building schools and creating economic opportunities for women and girls.

She also encouraged communities to embrace alternative rites of passage, citing Sierra Leone’s successful efforts to preserve the Bondo Society’s cultural significance without bloodshed.

“We must relocate the Bondo Society to natural settings, redefine its purpose, and ensure that women take ownership of their culture—without violence.”

Providing a legal perspective, Lawyer Judith Memuna Benjamin reaffirmed that FGM is a violation of human rights, as recognized by numerous international and regional legal instruments.

“While earlier human rights agreements did not explicitly mention FGM, they laid the foundation for protecting women from all forms of violence. Today, the international community recognizes FGM as a form of discrimination that violates women’s rights to bodily autonomy,” she stated.

She outlined key legal frameworks—including Sierra Leone’s Child Rights Act, CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol—which call for the abolition of FGM. She further emphasized that:

“Any practice that excludes or restricts women’s rights based on gender is discriminatory. FGM fits this definition, as it is a practice exclusively directed at women and girls, denying them the right to health, security, and dignity.”

Breaking the Cycle of Harm

The FAHP and its partners remain unwavering in their commitment to eradicating FGM through culturally sensitive approaches and community-driven initiatives. The event served as a platform for survivors, activists, and legal experts to strengthen their collective resolve, ensuring that duty bearers uphold their responsibility to protect women and girls.

As the event concluded, Madam Turay urged participants to take the message back to their communities and spread awareness and driving grassroots action.

“The fight against FGM is not just for activists—it is a collective responsibility. Every woman and girl deserves a future free from harm. Let’s be the change we wish to see.”

A future without FGM

The International Women’s Day celebrations in Mile 91 underscored a powerful message: the time to end FGM is now. With stronger laws, community engagement, and political will, Sierra Leone can eliminate this harmful practice and create a safer, more equitable society for all women and girls.