By: Audrey Raymonda John
As momentum builds to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM-SL), in collaboration with UNFPA, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, officially launched the “Men End FGM” Movement at the Purposeful Organization Conference Hall in New England Ville, Freetown.
The groundbreaking initiative aims to position men as key agents of change in the fight to end FGM, a deeply rooted practice that continues to harm girls and women across the country.
The launch event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs from all regions, religious leaders, Soweis, women’s rights groups, civil society representatives, and community advocates signaling strong national interest in the new approach.
Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma, Chairperson of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) and Director of AIM-SL, emphasized the urgent need to actively involve men in ending FGM. She explained that although the practice is often carried out by women within communities, men wield substantial influence over the cultural and religious systems that uphold it.
“Men have historically been sidelined in prevention efforts,” Madam Turay noted. “Yet, they possess the power and the responsibility to challenge and reshape the norms that perpetuate FGM.”
She cited successful examples from Kenya and Egypt, where male leaders and advocates helped reduce FGM rates by promoting alternative rites of passage and peer education programs. These efforts have led to measurable declines in support for the practice, especially among younger generations.
“Experience shows that when men are fully engaged, lasting change is possible,” she said.
Representatives from UNFPA, the Government of Iceland, and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs also spoke at the event, reiterating their commitment to ending FGM and acknowledging the pivotal role men must play in the process.
Several Paramount Chiefs voiced strong support for the initiative, advocating for the expansion of “Neneh Bondo”, a bloodless alternative rite of passage that preserves cultural identity while protecting girls from harm.
“Men have a crucial role to play in ending FGM not just in Sierra Leone, but across Africa,” said one Paramount Chief. “We welcome this movement as a step toward protecting our daughters and preserving our communities.”
Reverend Moses Kanu presented the Men End FGM Action Plan, which outlines strategies to combat FGM and broader gender-based violence. The plan includes: Training and mobilizing male champions, strengthening media engagement, coordinating with stakeholders and advocating for legal and policy reforms
“Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with traditional leaders, male teachers, health professionals, and women’s rights advocates including Soweis to change attitudes and end FGM,” Reverend Kanu stated. “Men must rise up, protect their sisters and daughters, and build safer communities.”
The launch concluded with resounding support from civil society, Soweis, and women’s rights organizations, all pledging to collaborate with the movement and ensure that FGM becomes a thing of the past in Sierra Leone.