MEN END FGM MOVEMENT LAUNCHED IN SIERRA LEONE

By Ragan M. Conteh

As momentum grows to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM-SL), in collaboration with UNFPA, on Tuesday 15th July 2025 officially launched the Men End FGM Sierra Leone movement. The initiative seeks to accelerate efforts to eradicate FGM by positioning men as agents of change. The launch brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs from across all regions, religious leaders, Soweis, women’s rights groups, civil society representatives, and community advocates. The event was held at the Purposeful Organisation Conference Hall in New England Ville, Freetown.

Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma, Chairperson of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) and Director of AIM-SL, highlighted the critical need to involve men in ending FGM. She stressed that while FGM is a harmful practice that damages girls’ and women’s health and well-being, it is often perpetuated by women in the family or community, leaving men historically sidelined from prevention efforts. “Men wield significant influence over cultural and religious norms that sustain FGM,” Madam Turay explained. “These same norms often define a woman’s worth based on her undergoing the practice, making her acceptable for marriage and respected in society. Since many of these institutions and norms are controlled by men, they have both the power and the responsibility to challenge and change them.” She added that experience has shown that engaging men can shift attitudes and create lasting change. In Kenya, for example, male community leaders and elders have successfully championed alternative rites of passage for girls, reducing FGM rates in several regions. In Egypt, programs that trained men as peer educators and public advocates have led to measurable declines in support for the practice among younger generations. These examples, Madam Turay noted, demonstrate that change is possible when men are active partners in the fight.

Representatives from UNFPA, the Government of Iceland, and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs also spoke at the event, pledging their support and underscoring the vital role men must play. Several Paramount Chiefs expressed their endorsement of the movement, calling for expansion of “Neneh Bondo,” a bloodless alternative rite of passage for girls that preserves cultural traditions without harm. “Men have a crucial role to play in ending FGM — not just in Sierra Leone but across the region,” one Paramount Chief said. “We welcome this movement as a step forward in protecting our daughters and strengthening our communities.”

Reverend Moses Kanu presented the Men End FGM Action Plan, which outlines strategies to combat both FGM and wider gender-based violence. The plan focuses on building the capacity of male champions, strengthening media engagement, coordinating with stakeholders, and pushing for policy reforms. “Our aim is to work with traditional leaders, male teachers, health workers, and women’s rights advocates — including Soweis — to change attitudes and abandon FGM,” Reverend Kanu said. “Men must foster positive beliefs, unite, and protect their sisters, daughters, and communities.” Soweis, civil society representatives, and women’s rights organisations at the event applauded the initiative and pledged to collaborate with the movement to ensure that FGM becomes a thing of the past in Sierra Leone.