By Janet A. Sesay
In commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Prevention First Initiative together with Save the Children and other Partners have called on the Government of Sierra Leone to up its commitment to end FGM in the country.
This year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation emphasizes the need for girls to muster the courage to make decisions on their own especially to kick against harmful practices and barriers to bodily autonomy.
Prevention First Initiative together with Save the Children and other partners created a platform for young people to amplify their voices in commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
Different stakeholders in giving their statements believed that Female Genital Mutilation destroys the lives and future of girls, adding that the process is being carried out without proper medical care to ensure the safety of girls.
Titty Samantha Conteh is among those who advocate against FGM.
She stated that her advocacy journey was rooted from personal experience.
A Youth Representative, Alice Johnson called on her pairs to embrace the power to decide on matters relating to their bodies, especially sexual and reproductive health rights.
She added that the young people amplified their voices through a panel discussions particularly stressing on sexual and reproductive health rights.
Representatives of line Ministries added their voices to the deliberations, underscoring the importance of recognizing the day as a moment to reflect on the development of women and girls.