By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has expressed deep concern over the recent resurgence of the “Kayndu” tradition procession, which took place on May 19, 2024, in Kenema. The “Kayndu” society is linked with the Bondo society and is known for practices including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Reports indicate that several women and girls were allegedly initiated into the “Kayndu” society, where FGM is practised. The procession, a traditional rite to usher the initiates into womanhood, restricted individual movement and disrupted the education of the girls involved, as it occurred during the school term.
The new Female Genital Mutilation Report (Owolabi 2024) reveals that Sierra Leone has an FGM prevalence rate of 83%, indicating that a substantial number of women and girls have undergone this harmful practice, often leading to severe health complications and even death.
FGM is globally recognized as a violation of the human rights of women and girls, reflecting deep-rooted gender inequality. It constitutes an extreme form of discrimination, violating rights to health, security, physical integrity, and freedom from torture and inhumane treatment. FAHP is calling for an end to this practice.
The third and fifth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to achieve good health and gender equality. However, achieving these goals remains challenging in Sierra Leone due to the high prevalence of FGM.
The government of Sierra Leone has signed international treaties like the Maputo Protocol and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to eliminate FGM. For the past 30 years, advocates in Sierra Leone have pushed for the approval of the Child Rights Act to include a ban on FGM and end child marriage, ensuring real protection and empowerment for women and girls.
The “Kayndu” tradition also imposes severe restrictions on township activities, including a complete halt to movement, posing a direct threat to constitutional rights, notably the freedom of movement. The Sierra Leone Constitution grants citizens the right to move freely throughout the country.
FAHP firmly condemns the reintroduction of the “Kayndu” tradition, viewing it as a disregard for constitutional rights. The organization calls on the government to review the Child Rights Act and enact laws that will end the practice of FGM.
FAHP is a coalition of 24 National Non-Governmental Organizations in Sierra Leone, established in June 2014 to advocate for the reduction and elimination of Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs), including Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM). SKS/11/6/2024