By Ragan M. Conteh

In building a cohesive movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, university students stand as a critical group with the power to influence change within their communities and challenge harmful traditions that violate human rights.

To strengthen this movement, the Amazonian Initiative Movement Sierra Leone (AIM-SL) on Thursday, 28th August 2025, trained students from various departments at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) and Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology.

The training took place at the Pastoral Center in Port Loko City, Northwestern Region.

Giving an overview of the programme, AIM-SL Programme Manager Alpha Kamara highlighted the organization’s efforts to protect women and girls and emphasized the dangers of FGM. He stressed that engaging university students’ dialogue is vital because they are well-positioned to challenge harmful practices and lead advocacy efforts across Sierra Leone.

In understanding FGM and its Human Rights Impact, FGM refers to all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. The practice causes lifelong physical, psychological, and sexual harm, and it strips women and girls of their dignity, bodily autonomy, and freedom. Ending FGM is not only a health and safety issue but also a fight for justice and equality. The participation of students in this fight is essential, as they can amplify awareness, push for legal reforms, and influence cultural change across future generations. Universities and student groups everywhere can contribute by organizing awareness campaigns, hosting discussions on harmful practices, and partnering with civil society to advocate for a total ban on FGM.

In training to Lead Change, taking students through a presentation, AIM-SL Executive Director Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay Koroma explained that the training was part of her organization’s mission to build a strong movement of young advocates against FGM. She outlined the trauma and physical suffering caused by the practice and described it as a form of violence rooted in cultural and traditional norms.

Madam Turay reminded students that culture is dynamic and can evolve with time, urging them to challenge harmful practices and advocate for positive cultural shifts. She referenced Sierra Leone’s commitments under CEDAW, CRC, the Maputo Protocol, and the Child Rights Act, all of which call for the protection of women and girls from harmful practices, particularly FGM.

She also spoke about efforts to separate the Bondo society from FGM, stressing that while Bondo holds cultural significance, it must be reformed to exclude harmful practices like genital cutting.

As a call to action for students, Madam Turay encouraged students who had survived FGM to share their experiences and become ambassadors in their institutions. By speaking openly, they can change mindsets and foster solidarity. She emphasized that rebranding Bondo without FGM, creating laws to regulate harmful practices, and reintroducing positive cultural teachings could help protect women and girls while preserving tradition.

The establishment of a student-led board at MMTU and EBKUST marks a major step forward. By raising awareness, advocating for legal reform, and mobilizing peers, these young leaders are demonstrating that the fight to end FGM is not only urgent but also achievable.