Three adolescent girls in Sierra Leone lost their lives due to female genital mutilation practices, disregarding efforts to outlaw the tradition.
In the North West province of Sierra Leone, a heartbreaking event occurred last month, as three girls - Adamsay Sesay, Salamatu Jalloh, and Kadiatu Bangura - lost their lives due to female genital mutilation (FGM). The Guardian reported this unfortunate incident on February 2, 2024.
FGM, a harmful and outdated practice, involves the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. Despite international efforts to ban this practice, it continues to be a reality in approximately 30 countries, including Sierra Leone.
A national survey conducted in 2019 found that 83% of women in Sierra Leone had undergone FGM, a slight decrease from 90% in 2013. However, this alarming statistic indicates that much work still needs to be done to eradicate this harmful practice.
The deaths of these young girls serve as a grim reminder of the continued existence of FGM in Sierra Leone. The procedure is deeply rooted in the country's culture and politics, serving as a mark of a girl's entry into womanhood.
The FGM procedures in Sierra Leone are carried out by the soweis, senior members of the secret, all-women Bondo societies. These societies, which have genital mutilation of young girls and women as a central pillar, are found in various regions of the country.
The UN unanimously passed a resolution to ban FGM in 2012, classifying it as a violation of women's and girls' human rights. Yet, in Sierra Leone, the practice remains legal, despite calls for its criminalization.
Divya Srinivasan, a leading individual at the NGO Equality Now, expressed her concern about the government's apathy towards the continued deaths from FGM and their unwillingness to take action to prevent these deaths or prohibit the practice.
On a more positive note, 48% of women who have heard of FGM in Sierra Leone believe that it is not a requirement of their religion. Additionally, 34% of women in the country believe that FGM should not be continued.
The soweis and the Bondo societies in Sierra Leone have faced increasing pressure to abandon this harmful practice. However, some local leaders and traditional figures have expressed concerns about imposing legal bans due to cultural and customary reasons.
As the world continues to work towards eliminating FGM, the tragic deaths of Adamsay Sesay, Salamatu Jalloh, and Kadiatu Bangura serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action. The practice can still be found in some countries within Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, making global cooperation essential to achieving lasting change.
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