March 29, 2021
By: Audrey. R. John
70 Traditional Secret society women “Soweis” in Tonkolili District on Friday 26th March 2021 abandoned Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice. They have thus laid down their tools used in the Bondo bush where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) had been practiced
The ceremony organized by the Amazonian Initiative Movement Sierra Leone (AIM-SL), a human rights organization in Sierra Leone attracted stakeholders including Chairperson, Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone, Civil Society Organizations, Media, Local chiefs and host of students and Community representatives.
Giving an overview oat the handing over ceremony, the Director of the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM-SL), Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma said, considering the dangers associated to FGM practice, the 70 FGM initiators call (Soweis) handing over of their FGM implements to AIM-SL is part of the organization’s efforts to save women from harmful traditional practices.
The ceremony according to Madam Turay is as a result of the advocacy and sensitization drive AIM-SL have been carrying out over the years to ensure that, the right of women and girls is uphold.
The move is also to save women from harmful traditions as well as end FGM practice in the country.
Madam Koroma pointed out that, the sufferings women and girls face as a result of traditions especially in our rural communities is great.
These soweis (cutters) according to Madam Neneh Turay have realized that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Bondo society is harmful, and scores of women and girls have suffered persistent health complications due to the practice.
This voluntary disarmament by the Soweis in Tonkolili District is historic because, Tonkolili District according to the Demographic and Health Survey of 2019 has the highest prevalence of FGM initiations in the country.
“We celebrate with these women because, it takes a moment for a woman who has been in the practice for decades to do such disarmament especially in places where women take this practice as part of their livelihood support,” Madam Neneh said.