By Ragan M. Conteh

As the global community marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, 2025, Sierra Leone took a significant step in the fight against this harmful practice.

The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), in partnership with Irish Aid, Purposeful, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), convened a landmark event in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone, to reinforce the call for an end to FGM in the country.

The commemoration event which  commenced with a float parade along the streets of Kenema City, brought together key stakeholders across Sierra Leone, including government representatives, Paramount Chiefs, religious leaders, Councilors, Soweis, students, civil society organizations (CSOs), husband clubs, school clubs, mother’s clubs, teachers, Members of Parliament, and various advocacy groups, underscoring a unified commitment to eradicating FGM in Sierra Leone.

A Global Commitment, A National Imperative:

The UN General Assembly declares February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM in 2012, reaffirming the urgent need to eliminate this violation of women’s and girls’ rights. Despite global progress, Sierra Leone remains one of the few countries without legislation banning FGM, with an alarming prevalence rate of 83%, according to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey (SLDHS).

Carol Hannon, Head of Development at the Embassy of Ireland, lauded FAHP’s tireless efforts in mobilizing action against FGM. She emphasized that FGM is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, urging for stronger government intervention and sustained advocacy to protect women and girls from this harmful practice.

”Ending FGM requires coordinated action at all levels. It is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal problem that demands the engagement of policymakers, community leaders, educators, and men as allies,” Hannon stated.

A Call for Urgent Action:

Haja Fatmata Sowa, Program Director at Purposeful, echoed the need for collective responsibility in eradicating FGM.

”We cannot stay silent while young girls suffer lifelong physical and psychological trauma. Ending FGM is not negotiable—it is a fundamental step towards achieving gender equality,” she said.

Ishmael Cole,  Acting National Coordinator of FAHP, highlighted the coalition’s advocacy efforts in combating FGM.

He further outlined various initiatives undertaken, including engagement with stakeholders to change mindsets, establishment of support clubs and advocacy for policy changes.

He emphasized FAHP’s commitment to zero tolerance towards FGM, stressing the traumatic nature of the practice and its violation of human rights.

He also underscored FAHP’s support for FGM-related cases and its focus on education and policy formulation.

He stressed on the importance of collaboration between FAHP and relevant stakeholders in promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls.

FAHP Chairperson, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, delivered a powerful speech highlighting the ongoing struggles in Sierra Leone.

“While FGM is gradually declining, the lack of legal frameworks continues to undermine progress. We must challenge the normalization of this harmful practice and push for policy change,” she asserted.

Turay underscored FAHP’s commitment to transforming traditional rites of passage into non-harmful alternatives. “We have worked with religious leaders, schools, and former FGM practitioners to foster change. Many cutters have publicly renounced the practice, proving that cultural transitions are possible without endangering lives.”

Legislative and Policy Reforms: The Way Forward:

FAHP has been at the forefront of advocating for policy and legislative reforms to criminalize FGM in Sierra Leone.

The organization’s latest project, Strengthening FAHP for the Coordination of FGM/C Reduction in Sierra Leone – Influencing Zero Tolerance, funded by Irish Aid, aligns with international human rights commitments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),  the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 5.3).

“The absence of a national policy on FGM is unacceptable,” Turay declared. “We call on the government, traditional leaders, and politicians to stop using FGM as a tool for political gain and to take definitive steps to protect the rights of women and girls.”

A Collective Pledge to End FGM:

The event concluded with a resounding pledge from all participants to strengthen advocacy efforts, increase awareness, and push for legislative action. Paramount Chiefs, Members of Parliament, and government representatives commended FAHP and its partners for their relentless dedication to ending FGM.

“We stand together with communities across Sierra Leone and the world in saying: FGM must end now,” Turay affirmed. “Culture should never be an excuse for violating human rights. The time for action is now.”

The Zero Tolerance Day commemoration in Kenema not only highlighted the urgency of the issue but also reinforced Sierra Leone’s role in the global movement to eradicate FGM.

With continued advocacy, collaboration, and government commitment, the country can pave the way for a future where every girl grows up free from the threat of FGM.