Zero tolerance on FGM observed in Sierra Leone
Forum for Harmful Traditional Practices, otherwise known as Fight Against Harmful Practices, has called on Government to abolish the harmful traditional practice of Female Genital Multination (FGM) on women and children in Sierra Leone. (Photo: Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay making a statement)
This call was made at a meeting held on Thursday 6th February 2014 at Lemon House, Congo Town in Freetown to mark the International Day on Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on the theme, ‘Changing Attitude Reduce FGM.’
Addressing guests at the event, the focal person for the Coalition, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay said that the day was set aside by the United Nations after 28 African countries agreed that 6th February should be observed annually as the International Day on Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation to discuss the harmful effects of FGM on women and children worldwide enlightening that Sierra Leone is a signatory to many treaties against the practice.
Madam Turay continued that the day is also to look at some of the issues, like violence against women, the call for zero tolerance on teenage pregnancy and ways they can strategize to reduce violence against women and abolish FGM in Sierra Leone.
According to Madam Turay, she recently returned from a regional conference in Nairobi, Kenya where the meeting unanimously resolved that countries must engage their duty bearers to formulate laws that would prevent harmful traditional practices against women, with particular reference to FGM.
She continued that other countries have banned the practice and disclosed that the organization has held several discussions with other stakeholders to abolish the practice as all efforts to minimize FGM have failed in the name of culture and tradition.
She further affirmed that the organization would also hold discussions with members of the Constitutional Review Committee to eliminate the practice in the new Constitution.
Highlighting successes of the organization, the focal person also revealed that since they started the campaign, they have brought more people onboard and created awareness as well as breaking the silence due to incessant sensitization campaigns about the dangers of the practice.
She further stated that the organization organized three meetings in 2013 that agreed to form a Steering Committee on FGM until a new body is formed, the Fight Against Harmful Practice that was inaugurated yesterday.
Madam Turay also disclosed that the Coalition is working on a national strategy with the help of a consultant and other stakeholders to end FGM in Sierra Leone and informed that the stakeholders would look at the experiences of other African countries with specific reference to successful strategies and approaches employed in Sierra Leone over the years.
She concluded by appealing to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Government to draft a law abolishing the practice that would be presented to the Constitutional Review Committee.
By Abdul R. Bedor Kamara
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