In a momentous event aimed at promoting bloodless rites and putting an end to the harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) on Monday July 24, 2023 celebrated a groundbreaking milestone.

Sowei leaders from the Rothumba Community in the Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District, made a historic decision by publicly handing over their regalia used in FGM ceremonies. This significant gesture aligns with the overarching “Drop the Knife and Razor” campaign, spearheaded by AIM to protect the health and rights of girls and women.

Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma, the chairperson and Executive Director of AIM, stood at the forefront of this momentous occasion. As a renowned anti-FGM campaigner, she has dedicated her life to empowering women and advocating for the eradication of this harmful practice. Addressing the gathering, she emphasized the importance of preserving the Bondo cultural tradition while eliminating the dangerous act of genital mutilation. Her passionate call for an equal society resonated deeply with the community.

The decision by the Sowei leaders to relinquish their regalia signifies a pivotal shift in cultural norms and a willingness to embrace progressive change. Traditionally, the regalia is symbolic of the Sowei’s authority in conducting FGM ceremonies, but on this day, it symbolized their commitment to a safer, more inclusive initiation process for young women.

Community members, led by Rothumba Headman Alimamy Sesay and Rosengbeh Youth Leader, expressed their wholehearted support for the Sowei leaders’ decision. They praised the Sowei leaders for their courage in taking a stand against a practice deeply rooted in tradition. Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma, affectionately known as “Talk and Do” for her transformative efforts, was also commended for her unwavering dedication to this cause.

During the event, former FGM practitioners shared their experiences, further underlining the urgent need for change. Sampa Soko Bangura, one of the Soweis who previously performed FGM, spoke candidly about the moral dilemma she faced during her time in the role. She expressed relief and pride in being part of the historic decision to abandon the harmful practice. Bangura stressed the importance of investing in education and empowering girls to achieve their full potential.

The “Drop the Knife and Razor” campaign has garnered significant support from government officials, NGOs, and the community at large. The Social Officer from the Ministry of Social Welfare in Port Loko, in a statement during the event, praised the AIM for their dedication to upholding human rights while respecting cultural traditions. The government’s stance on eliminating FGM aligns with its commitment to protect the health and well-being of girls and women across the nation.

The climax of the event was the public declaration made by the Sowei leaders, who vowed to end the practice of FGM and support the “Drop the Knife and Razor” campaign wholeheartedly. They ceremoniously disarmed the knives and razors used in the harmful practice and handed over their regalia as a symbolic gesture of their commitment to the cause