By Edward Marah
According to the 2019 Demographic Health Survey, 83% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM in Sierra Leone. The practice the survey noted is most prevalent in the North West province, with a rate of 93%, and lowest in the Southern province at 74%. FGM typically occurs between ages 10 and 14, with 71% of women aged 15-49 having undergone the procedure before the age of Cultural and Social Factors.
FGM is closely linked with the Bondo secret society and is considered a rite of passage for girls. It is often seen as necessary for social acceptance and preserving a girl’s virginity.
While the Constitution of Sierra Leone prohibits harmful practices, including FGM, there is no specific national action plan in place to end the practice. Efforts to criminalize FGM have been made, but enforcement remains a challenge.
There has been a slight decline in the prevalence of FGM over the years, from 91.3% in 2008 to 83% in 2019. However, the practice remains deeply entrenched in many communities.
Efforts to end FGM in Sierra Leone involve coordinated and systematic efforts that engage whole communities and focus on human rights and gender equality.
Organizations like UNFPA and Care International are actively working to raise awareness and advocate for the abandonment of this harmful practice. However, the lives of FGM campaigners in Sierra Leone are indeed under threat as anti-FGM activists often face severe backlash from traditionalists and secret societies, such as the Poro Society, which are deeply entrenched in the practice of FGM. Campaigners have reported receiving death threats, physical violence, and even torture. For instance, Mr. Michael Turay, an ardent opponent of FGM, was brutally tortured, lost one of his eyes, and had his left foot amputated after confronting FGM practitioners.
Many anti-FGM advocates have been forced into hiding or have fled the country to seek asylum due to the threats against their lives. The situation remains precarious, and there is an urgent need for stronger government intervention and protection for those fighting against this harmful practice.
The political will to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone has been somewhat mixed. While there have been efforts and campaigns to address the issue, the deep cultural roots and the influence of traditional secret societies like the Bondo Society make it challenging to enforce changes.
In recent years, there have been some positive steps, such as the government imposing fines for performing FGM and a temporary reduction in the practice during the Ebola epidemic due to health concerns.
However, no specific national action plan is in place, and the enforcement of existing laws remains weak. Campaigners and human rights organizations continue to urge the government to take more decisive action and make the ban on FGM permanent. The political landscape is complex, and while there is some support for ending FGM, it often clashes with cultural and traditional practices that are deeply ingrained in society. To protect FGM campaigners in Sierra Leone, the government should take several key steps:
- Strengthen Legal Framework: Enforce existing laws against FGM more rigorously and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted. This includes providing adequate resources and training for law enforcement agencies to handle FGM cases effectively.
- National Action Plan: As organizations like MenEngage Africa urged, develop and implement a comprehensive national action plan to end FGM. This plan should include clear strategies, timelines, and allocated resources to combat the practice.
- Protection for Activists: Provide legal and physical protection for anti-FGM campaigners who face threats and violence. This could involve setting up a dedicated task force to monitor and respond to threats against activists.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the dangers and illegality of FGM. These campaigns should involve community leaders, religious leaders, and other influential figures to change societal attitudes toward FGM.
- Support Services: Establish support services for survivors of FGM, including medical care, counseling, and legal assistance. This will help survivors to come forward and seek justice without fear of retribution.
- International Cooperation: Collaborate with international organizations and other countries that have successfully reduced FGM prevalence to learn from their experiences and adopt best practices.
By taking these steps, the government of Sierra Leone can create a safer environment for FGM campaigners and work towards eradicating this harmful practice. Photo: Dr Isata Mahoi Minister of Social Welfare.