By Kadiatu A Turay

The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has officiated a bloodless Bondo rite in Moyamba District, marking a significant milestone in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone. The ceremony brought together community leaders, activists, and local women to celebrate an alternative form of the traditional rite that preserves cultural values while ensuring the safety and well-being of young girls.

The bloodless Bondo rite, introduced as part of a broader initiative to eliminate harmful practices, focuses on the cultural and educational aspects of the ceremony without the physical cutting traditionally associated with FGM. This new approach, championed by FAHP, aims to protect the health and rights of girls and women while respecting the cultural significance of the Bondo society in the region.

During the event, several key speakers, including representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender, and Children’s Affairs, praised the efforts of FAHP in leading the charge towards safer, non-harmful rites of passage. They emphasized the importance of community involvement and education in changing long-standing practices that pose risks to women’s health.

Participants in the ceremony expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural identity in a way that aligns with modern values of human rights and health. The successful execution of the bloodless Bondo rite in Moyamba is seen as a model that could be replicated in other districts across the country.

FAHP’s efforts have been met with both local and international acclaim, as they continue to work towards the complete eradication of harmful practices that endanger the lives and future of women and girls in Sierra Leone. This event marks a hopeful step forward in the ongoing battle against FGM and a brighter future for the next generation.