By Ragan M. Conteh

 “All about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is misery and possible death”, says an activist.

She continued that, “No age of consent is safe for women.”

Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, Director of the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIMSL), was  addressing members of Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Press Gallery on Monday, 9th June 2025.

That session was held at the World Food Programme facility in Port Loko City, which marked the second training for about 25 journalists under AIMSL’s ongoing programme, which focused on ensuring on mobilizing elders practicing bondo society.

The training is sponsored by Wallace Global Fund for a sustainable future.

To date, AIMSL has trained 50 journalists from the Parliamentary Press Gallery in its efforts to shifting the narrative around FGM and drive community-led change.

During her presentation, Turay highlighted the devastating impact of FGM on women and girls across the country.

She explained that over 90% of Sierra Leonean women and girls have undergone some form of FGM, but often with no medical supervision, in homes, remote bush settings, or even in health facilities.

The removal of the clitoris — a core element of the practice — is performed without any medical justification, and the effects are lifelong: chronic pain, trauma, infection, complications during childbirth, and in some cases, death, she said.

“There’s no justification for it. Girls are being pulled out of school for Bondo initiations while their male counterparts stay in class,” Madam Rugiatu said.

“That’s not tradition — that’s harm disguised as culture.”

AIMSL’s approach aims to preserve cultural identity without causing physical or psychological harm.

Since 2019, the organization has promoted a “bloodless rite of passage” — a community-led, culturally sensitive alternative that has already reached 75 girls and is expanding. The model incorporates education, healthcare, and income-generating activities to support women and girls while shifting harmful norms.

“Community-led solutions are not only possible, they are sustainable,” the activist said.

“We’ve transformed Bondo bushes and sowei shrines into schools and skills training centres, ensuring girls have access to education and a future that’s not defined by violence.”

The training also serves as a call to action for the media.

Madam Turay urged journalists to use their platforms to expose the dangers of FGM, to challenge misinformation, and to amplify survivors’ voices. “You are critical to this movement.People trust your words — use them wisely and boldly,” she said.

Participants expressed strong support for the campaign and called for more training sessions to ensure they can deliver accurate, unified messaging to the public.

A National Emergency

FGM remains one of the most severe public health and human rights issues in Sierra Leone, AIM’s activists said. Alongside physical complications, survivors face mental health challenges, stigma, and loss of bodily autonomy. Despite years of advocacy, the practice continues with political protection and social acceptance in many regions.

That’s why HE President Julius Maada Bio’s recently called for the swift passage of the Child Rights Act 2024, an act which is so important to children’s welfare.

The proposed legislation seeks to provide stronger legal protections for girls as it aims to end harmful practices, including FGM. If passed into law and implemented effectively, it would represent a major step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and girls across Sierra Leone.

But political will is still fragmented, activists have observed.

Too often, politicians from all parties invoke “culture” to delay or water down laws meant to protect human rights. Madam Turay and many others have pointed out that culture cannot and should not override the right to life, dignity, and bodily integrity.

“This excuse — that culture comes before human rights — is dangerous,” she added.

“It endangers lives, and it  also justifies silence.

And it gives cover to those who want to continue this harmful practice unchecked.”

The fight to end FGM in Sierra Leone isn’t just about laws.

It’s about shifting power, breaking silence, and standing up for every girl’s right to grow up safe, educated, and free.