Men Take Stand Against FGM
By Ragan M. Conteh
In a bold and transformative move to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM-SL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), officially launched the Men End FGM Sierra Leone movement on Tuesday, 15th July 2025. The initiative aims to reposition men traditionally viewed as bystanders in the FGM debate as frontline allies and active agents of change in the fight to end this deeply rooted harmful practice.
The launch event, held at the Purposeful Organisation Conference Hall in New England Ville, Freetown, brought together a powerful coalition of stakeholders. These included Paramount Chiefs from all regions of the country, religious leaders, traditional Soweis, women’s rights groups, civil society organizations, and community activists. The gathering marked a significant shift in national discourse around FGM by directly involving men in a space that has long been dominated by silence or passive complicity.
A Cultural Shift with Men at the Forefront
Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma, Director of AIM-SL and Chairperson of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), emphasized the importance of male engagement in dismantling the cultural and religious norms that have historically upheld FGM.
“FGM is a deeply entrenched practice, often carried out by women, yet underpinned by patriarchal systems that define a woman’s value through harmful traditions,” she explained. “Men as fathers, husbands, community leaders, and policymakers have the influence to reshape these norms and promote dignity, safety, and equality for women and girls.”
Citing successful examples from other countries, Madam Turay-Koroma shared how male leaders in Kenya have introduced alternative, non-violent rites of passage, while in Egypt, male peer educators have helped shift public attitudes, especially among youth. These models, she said, prove that when men lead and support anti-FGM efforts, real change is not only possible it’s sustainable.
Voices of Authority Lend Support
High-ranking representatives from UNFPA, the Government of Iceland, and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs spoke in solidarity with the new initiative, reinforcing the urgency of engaging men in all efforts to eradicate gender-based violence. They echoed the call for men to take greater ownership in transforming societal attitudes and protecting the rights of girls.
Several Paramount Chiefs attending the event issued strong endorsements of the movement, calling for broader implementation of “Neneh Bondo” a culturally respectful, non-harmful rite of passage for girls that preserves tradition without the trauma of cutting.
“Protecting our daughters is a moral and cultural duty,” one Chief declared. “The time has come for men to lead not only in preserving our heritage but in transforming it for the safety and future of our communities.”
A Strategic Roadmap for Change
Reverend Moses Kanu presented the Men End FGM Action Plan, a comprehensive framework outlining actionable strategies to tackle FGM and broader issues of gender-based violence. Key components of the plan include:
Training male champions to advocate within their communities
Strengthening media campaigns to reshape public narratives
Building alliances with religious and traditional leaders
Working with educators, health workers, and youth leaders
Promoting policy reforms and community-driven alternative
“Our mission is not to replace women’s voices, but to amplify and support them,” Reverend Kanu emphasized. “We must work hand in hand men and women to ensure FGM ends in our lifetime. This is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue that affects all of us.”
A Unifying Call to Action
The event concluded with powerful affirmations from Soweis, civil society organizations, and women’s rights activists, who pledged to collaborate with the Men End FGM movement to ensure its success. Many highlighted that the involvement of men marks a turning point in the campaign to end FGM and signals a new era of unity, awareness, and progress.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward the full elimination of FGM, the launch of Men End FGM represents more than just a campaign it symbolizes a growing national will to challenge harmful traditions, foster inclusive dialogue, and protect future generations of girls.
