By Ragan M. Conteh
As part of their continue efforts to save women and girls from harmful traditional practices in Sierra Leone, the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) has organized training for over 50 Local Chiefs in Tene Chiefdom in Tonkolili District.
The workshop started on Monday 20th, January,2020 at the Matotoka Town Community Center with funds from Wallace Global Fund.
Mr. John Tholley, AIM Programs Manager, while giving an overview of the training expressed his sincere thanks and appreciations to the local chiefs for being part of the workshop.
The workshop he noted is expected to put measures in place to mitigate or eliminate incidents of female genital mutilation in their respective communities.
Chiefs according to him are the law makers charge with enforcing various bye laws in their communities.
He implored on them to ensure that the high incidences of FGM are controlled in their communities.
Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay nee Koroma, Founder and Executive Director ,AIM reminded the Chiefs that they are the custodians of the laws and the land and must therefore be seen as key players in protecting and saving women and girls from harmful traditional practices and other human rights violation in their communities.
Madam Koroma further recounted that it is part of their traditional customs to train women and girls on how to take care of their families, respect elders and also be useful citizens through the traditional Bondo society.
The Executive Director expressed her disappointment that many women and girls have died as a result of cancer and other related health complications after having gone through FGM.
The Chiefs he disclosed have been very critical in the sanctioning and planning of such FGM rites largely because they are the ones issuing out licenses to traditional soweis in their respective communities.
She lauded the other activities within the Bondo society including the teaching and adoption of skills such as those caring for the homes, relating with elders etc
Madam Koroma revealed that, Tonkolili District is very high when it comes to the conduct of FGM initiations in the country and admonished chiefs to dialogue with their subjects, wives and daughters on the dangers associated with the practice of FGM.
The Executive Director particularly warned Chiefs not to allow them to be used by politicians especially by unnecessarily funding FGM initiation activities.
Alpha Kamara, AIM Animator, informed local chiefs that, FGM is a violation of the rights, with no benefits attached.
Section Chiefs and Headmen from six sections including, Matotaka, Mapaki, Mageh Bana, Makurgbeh, Maborbor Kuray and Lal Lenken Sections in Tene Chiefdoms committed not to further subjected their women and girls into FGM.
They thanked AIM-SL for their relentless effort to sensitize them on the dangers associated with FGM.