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The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) and Praise Foundation have launched the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) in Kayama Chiefdom.
In a landmark event aimed at combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), in collaboration with Praise Foundation, has inaugurated the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) in Kayama Chiefdom. This initiative, also known as the Bloodless Bondo Rite, marks a significant stride in the fight against FGM across Sierra Leone.
The Alternative Rite of Passage offers a culturally sensitive alternative to traditional Bondo practices, preserving the essence of the rite while excluding the harmful practice of FGM. Funded by Irish Aid, the ceremony was a testament to the commitment of various stakeholders to protect the health and dignity of young girls.
For generations, the Bondo society has served as a space where women and girls come together to build community, learn essential skills, and prepare for adulthood. However, the harmful practice of FGM has left many women with lasting trauma. The ARP aims to respect the cultural significance of Bondo traditions while eliminating the practice of genital cutting.
The ceremony in Moyamba is the third successful implementation of the ARP in Sierra Leone, following similar initiatives in Port Loko and Niawa Lega, Bo District. Councilor Elizabeth Dambo, an outreach officer for FAHP, emphasized the dual goals of preserving cultural heritage and safeguarding the future of young girls. “The Alternative Rite of Passage will help us retain our cultural identity and ensure the well-being of our daughters,” she stated.
Reverend Jane Lahai of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone highlighted the historical significance of the event, noting that FGM’s origins in Moyamba began with Madam Yoko decades ago. She expressed hope that the ARP will mark a turning point in the community’s approach to traditional practices.
The Head Sowei of Niawa Lega Chiefdom shared her experience with the ARP, noting improvements in school attendance and a decline in teenage pregnancies in Bo District. She symbolically passed the “disarm” attire to the Head Sowei of Moyamba,
The event saw strong support from key figures, including representatives from Irish Aid, the Moyamba District Chief, religious leaders, and local community groups. Attendees, including members of the Teachers Union of Moyamba and various local clubs, collectively pledged to support the transition from FGM to the Alternative Rite of Passage, underscoring a unified commitment to the health and empowerment of girls across the district.
This will be good in the site of God if this evil and satanic society call the bondo be vanished in sierra leone, it’s totally evil and God who created man is against such practice’s,he emphasis it that the life of every man is in the blood, the moment they tampered with your blood they have tampered with your blood.
Please let pray for papa government to stop this evil practice’s call Bondo, it’s not about our tradition but is about God, God is against that.
Thanks.