Kadijatu Hayles in Lungi
In a significant effort to advocate for the rights of women and girls and combat the intentional violation of their rights, the Amazonia Initiative Movement (AIM) recently engaged 20 young women from the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN) in Port Loko District. The engagement focused on raising awareness about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on women and girls. The event took place at the multimedia office in Port Loko Township and was made possible through funding from the Global Fund.
Representatives from each chiefdom in the district participated in the engagement, which aimed to empower the young women to become ambassadors for change in their respective communities. Rugiatu Neneh Turay Koroma, the Director of the Amazonia Initiative Movement, enlightened the participants about the cultural, criminal, and social aspects surrounding FGM. As a former Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Koroma shared sections of the Criminal Offenses Act that specifically address harmful practices, violence, and torture, with FGM being no exception.
As part of the engagement, a video depicting the process of genital cutting was shown to the participants. Following the video, the young women shared their thoughts and discussed possible strategies to eradicate FGM, considering its significant health, economic, psychological, and lifelong implications.
Mr. Alpha B Kamara, the Manager of the Amazonia Initiative Movement in Port Loko District, emphasized the importance of involving men in the fight against FGM. He assured the participants that they would be utilized as ambassadors to spread awareness and advocate against the practice within their communities.
Fatu Sesay, a Young Women in Governance Network member in Port Loko District, highlighted the need for the active involvement of traditional leaders, stakeholders, and parents in the fight against FGM. Sesay acknowledged that the practice had deep roots in society, requiring a collective effort from all stakeholders to combat it successfully.
The engagement organized by the Amazonia Initiative Movement signifies a crucial step towards raising awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and mobilizing young women to play an active role in eradicating this practice. By equipping these young women with knowledge and empowering them to act as ambassadors, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect within their communities, initiating vital conversations and challenging the social norms that perpetuate FGM.
The Amazonia Initiative Movement remains committed to promoting gender equality, protecting women's and girls' rights, and eradicating harmful cultural practices. With ongoing efforts like these engagements, it is hoped that Sierra Leone will continue to make progress in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation, ensuring a safer and more inclusive society for all.
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