With funding support from the German Doctors, through the My Body My Right Project, Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone (CAF-SL) has engaged State and Non-state representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSSE), Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Judiciary of Sierra Leone (JoSL), National Secretariat for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy, Partners Against Harmful Traditional Practices (PAHTP), Chiefdom and Soweis Representatives, UNICEF, UN Women and the media on the impact, challenges and recommendations of the My Body My Right Project.

The My Body My Right Project aims at the reduction of FGM practices and school dropout in 69 selected communities within Bo, Tonkolili and Bombali Districts. The project targets 800 girls, 800 couples, 90 teachers, 60 Soweis, 96 PATHP members and various community members as direct beneficiaries for the prevention of FGM/C.

According to Madam Ann Kargbo, the Vice Board Chair and Technical Support person for Commit and Act Sierra Leone, the engagement which focused on the strategies, challenges, impacts and achievements of the project also provided recommendations and areas for discussion for the participants.

The Country Representative of German Doctors, Madam Fanta Daboh, disclosed that because her organization seek to provide the help that will last, they are supporting a Sustainability Project through agriculture for the beneficiaries of the My Body My Right Project. She revealed that majority of the Soweis have laid down their tools to engage in active farming within the three (3) districts.

The Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary School Education, Madam Emily Gogra expressed her gratitude to CAF-SL and  commit to support the organization to eliminate it various outlined challenges and to achieve its recommendations.

Whilst expressing her gratitude to the participants, the CAF-SL Founder and Country Director, Madam Hannah Bockarie emphasized that the organization  will continue to support children, women, community members and various stakeholders for the eradication of FGM/C  within various communities and districts in Sierra Leone through the provision of livelihood supports to parents, advocacy to state legislature, medical services, legal and educational support to children and capacity building activities and programs to community stakeholders.

Credit: Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone