Desert Flower Foundation Rallies Against Female Genital Mutilation.

Strong calls for eradication, urgent protection for girls collective action demanded as the Desert Flower Foundation marked International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a powerful advocacy event at St. Mary’s Faith Interim Care Centre in No. 2 Village.

Civil society actors, faith leaders, social workers, and community advocates united for a day focused on awareness, reflection, and strategy to end the harmful practice. The gathering highlighted the severe physical, psychological, and social dangers inflicted by FGM.

In a compelling keynote address, Rev. Fr. Peter Alpha Leo Konteh, President of the Desert Flower Foundation for Sierra Leone and Africa, called on communities, traditional leaders, and government authorities to prioritize girls' lives and dignity over harmful traditions.

“Behind every statistic is a real child-a girl who should be dreaming of school, play, and her future, not enduring pain, trauma, and fear in the name of tradition,” stated Rev. Fr. Konteh. He emphasized that FGM is a form of violence, not a cultural rite or religious obligation, with lifelong consequences for health, education, and freedom.

With the global target to end FGM by 2030 approaching, Rev. Fr. Konteh warned progress requires courageous leadership, sustained funding, and stronger law enforcement. “The fight against FGM is not about attacking culture; it is about protecting life. Culture should nurture, not destroy,” he affirmed.

Multiple voices echoed the urgent need for change. Mary Bangura of the Women’s Advocacy and Development Organisation (WAADO) addressed the negative impacts of the Bondo society, urging parents to choose schooling over initiation.

Eunice M.S. Quee of the Desert Flower Foundation outlined severe health risks, including childbirth complications and long-term reproductive harm, appealing directly to community leaders to end life-threatening practices.

Nyamakoro Marrah of Nyama’s Diary Initiatives delivered a personal testimony, reflecting on her journey to law school despite social pressure. “Imagine the potential of every girl spared from early initiation,” she challenged attendees, framing her message as a crucial self-reflection for parents.

The event culminated in a symbolic distribution of dignity kits containing essential sanitary and hygiene items to girls by Rev. Fr. Konteh and Foundation members, representing a tangible commitment to care and protection.

A unified photograph of beneficiaries captured the day’s spirit: collective determination to end FGM across Sierra Leone. As the world observed this day of zero tolerance, participants left with a reinforced message a future for every girl must be rooted in life, dignity, and hope.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

MoGCA Communications Unit

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com