By Audrey Raymonda John
Purposeful, a prominent African-rooted global hub focusing on girls’ and young feminists’ activism, has intensified its campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone. In a recent meeting held at their office in Freetown, they convened journalists to address the pressing threat posed by FGM.
Eleanor Thompson, a representative of Purposeful, underscored the entrenched inequality and systemic oppression underlying FGM. She emphasized that FGM is not merely a standalone issue but is deeply intertwined with broader forms of sexual, economic, and cultural violence perpetuated by patriarchal systems.
Thompson elucidated Purposeful’s collaborative approach, working hand-in-hand with community organizations, movement leaders, survivors, and activists dedicated to ending FGM. Through strategic initiatives such as flexible grants, lobbying efforts, community engagement, and legal action, Purposeful aims to eradicate FGM within this generation.
Highlighting a pivotal moment in their campaign, Thompson disclosed the filing of two landmark legal cases on July 31, 2023. These cases, lodged both domestically and at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice, seek accountability from individual perpetrators and the state. By pursuing legal recourse, Purposeful aims to spotlight governmental failures in protecting vulnerable citizens, particularly girls and women, from the harms of FGM.
The legal actions underscore the urgent need for Sierra Leone to enact comprehensive legal reforms, aligning with international human rights treaties such as the Maputo Protocol. Despite respecting cultural complexities, Purposeful emphasizes that the physical and psychological toll inflicted by FGM cannot be overlooked.
The decision to engage ECOWAS is not a reflection of distrust in local courts but rather a strategic leveraging of multiple avenues to advocate for justice and legislative change. Purposeful remains steadfast in its commitment to effecting societal transformation while preserving tradition, culture, and heritage.
The legal actions initiated by Purposeful signify a significant milestone in the fight against FGM in Sierra Leone, signaling a resolute stance against gender-based violence and a fervent pursuit of justice and equality.