Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply entrenched cultural practice in Sierra Leone, often justified under the guise of tradition and societal norms.

The Bondo Society, an exclusively female secret organization, plays a significant role in perpetuating this harmful practice, often subjecting young girls and women to forced initiation. The case of Fatima Fornah serves as a harrowing example of the dangers faced by those who resist.

Fatima, a young woman from Sierra Leone, recently made headlines after escaping a forced initiation into the Bondo Society. Our investigation into Fatima’s situation started in June 2024 when we heard about her failed forced initiation the previous month. We became intrigued and decided to delve further into her story.

From our investigation, reports indicate that her family and senior members of the organization had been pressuring her for years to undergo the initiation process, which includes FGM. Despite persistent coercion, Fatima steadfastly refused, aware of the severe health complications that come with the procedure. Many women who have undergone FGM suffer from lifelong consequences, including infertility, chronic pain, infections, and complications during childbirth.

Reliable sources told this media that Fatima’s mother had always protected her from initiation, but the protection was no longer available after she died in 2022. The situation escalated when Fatima was unexpectedly conscripted by the senior hierarchy of the Bondo Society, her aunty, in May 2024 when they gathered in the village for her mum’s second death anniversary. Realizing her imminent danger, she courageously resisted and fled the scene to an undisclosed location.

However, her defiance has put her life at risk, with reports indicating that senior stakeholders of the Bondo society, who are a part of her family, have vowed to initiate her at any cost. They have decided to ignore her fundamental human right of choice. Her family and her community have already ostracized her, and she cannot attend any family function because of all the ridicule, stigmatization, and threats.

Fatima’s story sheds light on the broader issue of forced FGM in Sierra Leone. Many girls or women who refuse initiation face threats, social ostracization, and even death. Studies reveal that the practice of FGM can cause severe complications, including reproductive health issues that result in barrenness.

The international community and human rights organizations have long condemned FGM as a violation of human rights, yet the practice continues due to cultural and societal pressures. Fatima’s ordeal underscores the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement to protect women from such harmful practices.

As Fatima remains in hiding, her case serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by those who resist FGM in Sierra Leone. Without immediate intervention and increased advocacy, countless other girls or women will continue to endure the physical and psychological scars of this inhumane tradition. The government, civil society, and international organizations must take decisive action to eradicate FGM and protect the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone.