By Audrey Raymonda John
The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) recently concluded a one-day national media workshop on sensitive reporting of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The workshop, held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Hotel 5-10 in Freetown, brought together participants from television, radio, and newspaper institutions across Sierra Leone.
During the event, Madam Aminata Koroma, Secretary of FAHP, emphasized that the coalition comprises over 20 civil society organizations dedicated to ending traditional harmful practices and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. She highlighted FAHP’s ongoing advocacy for zero tolerance of FGM and described their efforts to train religious and traditional leaders to help reduce the prevalence of FGM.
Madam Koroma explained that the media training aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge necessary for responsible reporting on FGM. She underscored the importance of this training in enhancing journalists’ understanding and advocacy skills regarding FGM.
Mr. Ishmael Cole, Program Officer of FAHP, reported significant progress in the coalition’s advocacy efforts. He mentioned various initiatives to change the mindset of stakeholders, soweis (traditional female leaders), and communities about the dangers of FGM. FAHP has established 40 husbands’ clubs and 40 mothers’ clubs under the Irish Aid project, using education and strategic advocacy to promote the abandonment of FGM.
Mr. Cole also highlighted the creation of adolescent clubs aimed at educating young people about the need to end FGM. Additionally, FAHP has set up “schools of influence” clubs, village and loan associations, and initiatives to improve the economic status of women in communities across Sierra Leone. These efforts are part of FAHP’s broader strategy to achieve zero tolerance for FGM, which they view as a traumatic practice and a human rights violation.
The coalition’s support for FGM-related cases has shown steady progress, and they have engaged in school rehabilitations and construction projects. Mr. Cole reiterated FAHP’s commitment to zero tolerance for FGM and their work in policy formulation and education.
Kelvin Lamdo, the workshop facilitator, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on integrating FGM as a sexual and gender-based violence issue into mass media reporting. He advised journalists to verify information with the appropriate authorities when publishing FGM stories and to be aware of FAHP’s advocacy timelines and plans. Lamdo encouraged close collaboration between FAHP and the media to protect and promote the coalition’s image.
Participants at the workshop pledged their commitment to zero tolerance for FGM and vowed to continue advocating against the practice through their respective media platforms.