As they Observe International Day of Zero Tolerance… Girl Child Network Intensifies Fight on FGM

By Abdul Rahman Bah

The Girl Child Network Sierra Leone has hosted a significant event to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).This gathering took place at the Conteh You Guest House, located in the heart of Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone, where community members united to raise awareness about this pressing issue. The Executive Director of Girl Child Network, Madam Anita Koroma, addressed the attendees with a passionate speech. She highlighted the importance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, established by the United Nations in 2003 to raise awareness and combat this harmful practice. Madam Koroma emphasized that FGM is a violation of fundamental human rights and can have dire physical and psychological consequences, affecting women and girls throughout their lives — from childhood through to old age. She drew attention to the staggering statistic that currently, over 230 million girls and women around the world are survivors of FGM. Alarmingly, it is projected that an additional 27 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM in the next five years, with nearly 4.4 million girls at risk in 2025 alone. “To prevent such needless suffering,” Madam Koroma stated, “we must invest in resources, encourage open discussions, and challenge the societal norms that enable FGM to continue. As agents of change, everyone has a role to play in ensuring that girls grow up free from this harmful practice.” This year’s theme, “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM,” highlights the urgent need for collaboration. It calls upon girls, boys, men, women, youth, survivors, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations to unite in action against FGM. During the event, traditional initiators and community members engaged in fruitful discussions about the future. Remarkably, 19 Sowies (traditional cutters) publicly pledged to relinquish their working tools, such as razors and knives. Kolorneh Sesay, the chairwoman of these Sowies, expressed their readiness to cast aside their instruments of harm and learn new skills for self-development. Additionally, Aminata Lucy Kamara, Deputy Coordinator of the Children Forum Network (CFN), addressed the audience, particularly the children present. She emphasized the existence of laws that prohibit the initiation of girls into FGM and urged the Sowies to refrain from the practice. “If anyone defies these laws, they will face legal consequences, which could lead to imprisonment,” she warned. The diverse group of participants gathered from various surrounding communities around Makeni city showcased the collective effort to combat FGM, underscoring the importance of education, dialogue, and community involvement in eradicating this harmful practice.