By: Audrey Raymonda John
A Girl at A Time Sierra Leone, a proud member of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), successfully hosted a powerful brunch meeting with survivors, activists, and campaigners on Sunday at Mango Peak, Hill Station. The event brought together over 40 survivors, human rights advocates, and fellow campaigners at a crucial moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
According to Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, CEO and Founder of A Girl At A Time, the purpose of the brunch was to strengthen solidarity, amplify the voices of survivors, and unite FAHP members and advocates in a renewed push for a nationwide ban on FGM. Alimatu emphasized that the event was designed to honor the tireless work already being done by FAHP members and other stakeholders on the frontline, while also bringing fresh energy through the partnership with the global human rights movement Avaaz.
“We are a social impact organization working to equip and empower youth, advocates, and community leaders to become change agents,” Alimatu explained. “This brunch was about coming together in solidarity lending our voices and the support of Avaaz and its 470,000 global members to the incredible work of our Sierra Leonean colleagues who have been fighting for decades to end FGM.”
A key highlight of the event was Alimatu’s presentation on the recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court, which declared FGM to be a form of torture, and the ongoing petition urging President Bio to enact a full ban on the practice. Alimatu also called on the government to withhold assent to the Child Rights Act unless it includes a clear provision banning FGM.
The brunch provided a safe space for survivors to share their testimonies and for campaigners to discuss strategies for moving forward. “We need a cohesive, united movement to educate and mobilize communities and show Parliament and the President that this issue cannot be ignored,” one participant shared.
During the meeting, Alimatu recognized the significant contributions of FAHP and commended the coalition for its leadership, resilience, and effective coordination in the fight against FGM. Medals were awarded to FAHP member organizations in recognition of their exceptional service to the cause.
A poignant moment in the event came when Muriel from Avaaz sent a message of solidarity from Switzerland:
“Dear sisters in Sierra Leone,
My name is Muriel, and I’m part of the global human rights movement Avaaz.
Over the past weeks, working alongside Alimatu has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Words can hardly capture my gratitude and deep admiration for your tireless fight to end FGM. Your courage and leadership are profoundly inspiring – inspiring not only to me but to people all around the world.
Right now, more than 470,000 people have joined the campaign calling on President Bio to push for a ban on FGM. These hundreds of thousands are standing shoulder to shoulder with you – from Switzerland, where I am now, to Mexico, Japan, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Australia, Brazil… and truly, from nearly every country on Earth! They want to show their solidarity with you – and they are sending a clear message to President Bio and Parliament that the world is watching.
With that spirit, we wish you a joyful brunch – and we are sending you a lot of energy and strength to keep organizing and to keep fighting.”
The brunch concluded with a renewed sense of unity and commitment. Survivors, activists, and campaigners reaffirmed their dedication to advocating for a complete ban on FGM in Sierra Leone.
In her closing remarks, Alimatu stated this petition is more than just signatures it is a collective voice. “Our partnership with Avaaz honors and respects the tireless work of FAHP and every activist in Sierra Leone. Together, with the world standing behind us, we can end FGM in our lifetime.”