By Mohamed Muckson Sesay
In a concerted effort to eliminate the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, the Executive Director of Girl Child Network Sierra Leone (GCN-SL), Anita Koroma, alongside the PURPOSEFUL Organization, visited the Magbap Community in Makeni, Bombali District, on March 20th, 2025.
This engagement marked a critical milestone in addressing the pervasive threat that FGM poses to the health and well-being of young girls in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas.
During her opening remarks, Director Anita Koroma highlighted that GCN-SL has been collaborating closely with local leaders to assess the extent of FGM across communities nationwide. This initiative has been key in identifying areas that need intervention and in collecting crucial information to inform follow-up actions.
“We must understand the realities on the ground to provide real solutions,” emphasized Anita Koroma, Executive Director of GCN-SL. “Our mission is clear: we are empowering communities to transition away from harmful practices and ensuring the safety of girls throughout Sierra Leone.”
The visit was warmly received by the local community, with Zainab Kamara, a prominent community leader and a Sowe Woman in the Magbenteh Community in Makeni, extending a heartfelt welcome to the team. Zainab, along with other community members, expressed their deep gratitude for the timely visit, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the ongoing challenges posed by FGM.
“We are grateful for the support you are bringing to us today,” said Zainab. “This is a battle we cannot fight alone, and your visit reminds us that we are not forgotten in this struggle.”
Community leaders emphasized the importance of such support in the fight against FGM, recognizing the crucial role of awareness campaigns and effective interventions to eradicate the practice.
“This visit is a turning point for us. Ending FGM requires unity and commitment, and we are ready to take the necessary steps with your support,” stated Salamatu Bangura, Chief of Mathinka Community.
Lindsey Sesay from PURPOSEFUL underscored the harmful impacts of FGM, stressing the need for collective action to break the silence around the practice.
“Together, we can dismantle the culture of silence surrounding FGM,” remarked Lindsey. “Our goal is not just to inform, but to empower communities to stand up for their girls and put an end to these harmful practices.”
The engagement also saw collaboration with senior Sowe women in Makeni, including Koloneh Sesay, a Sowe woman who has become a strong advocate against FGM. Koloneh called on her colleagues in secret societies to join the campaign against FGM.
“For 30 years, I have been involved in initiating women and girls into societal norms through the Bondo and Kayanka Secret Societies. But today, I have changed my views on FGM, and I am proud to see more people joining us in this vital fight,” Koloneh stated.
Director Anita Koroma emphasized that the primary objective of the engagement was to support the community in transitioning to “Bloodless Mitigation,” a method aimed at preventing the health complications caused by FGM. This approach aligns with GCN-SL’s broader mission of ending FGM and other harmful traditional practices in Sierra Leone through advocacy, education, and community-driven solutions.
“Bloodless Mitigation offers a safer, healthier alternative for the future of our girls,” concluded Anita Koroma.
The GCN-SL and PURPOSEFUL teams are committed to continuing their support for local communities in Sierra Leone, providing essential resources, and collaborating with local leaders to create lasting change. The engagement in the Magbap community was one of many steps being taken toward a future where young girls are free from the dangers of FGM and can grow up in an environment of safety, dignity, and respect.
The delegation also included notable individuals such as Lindsey Sesay from PURPOSEFUL and key GCN-SL members: Nathaniel Alie Bangura (Program Manager), Abdul Bangura Bangura (Field Officer), and Sorie Bangura (Assistant Program Manager). Together, they brought their expertise and dedication to raising awareness and supporting the community’s efforts to end FGM.