Impact Report: A Girl At A Time Attends FAHP Training to Strengthen the Fight Against FGM in Sierra Leone.

By Maimunatu Suma

The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), with backing from Purposeful, recently concluded an empowering two-day training on management and strategic planning, aptly themed “Keeping the Spirit of FAHP Alive to End FGM/C in Sierra Leone.” This event brought together like-minded organizations, all dedicated to the urgent elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the broader fight against gender-based violence.

Memuna our field officer who attended the training said "For A Girl At A Time, this training was not just educational; it was a powerful reminder that the fight against FGM is far from over. It reaffirmed our commitment to being at the forefront of this movement, partnering with other organizations to push for lasting change."

A Focus on Strategic Action

The training offered invaluable insights, led by esteemed facilitator Dr. Mamud Tarawallie, into fortifying FAHP’s mission. A key highlight was the development of a strategic plan designed to ensure the coalition's long-term sustainability. The plan includes critical elements such as coalition restructuring, legal reform, evidence-based advocacy, and research—all essential to the continued fight against FGM.

One of the most significant takeaways was the emphasis on self-revenue generation. Dr. Tarawallie encouraged the forum to proactively build financial independence to protect its vital programs from unpredictable donor support. This foresight is crucial, especially as the coalition intensifies its advocacy and on-the-ground work in Sierra Leone.

Legal Foundations and Human Rights

Day two featured an engaging session by Adama Samba Esq, who underscored the legal framework surrounding FGM as a human rights violation. She provided an in-depth review of international, regional, and national laws, driving home the fact that, while Sierra Leone lacks a specific anti-FGM law, the practice is still illegal. FGM is not just a cultural issue—it is an act of physical and mental abuse that violates the rights of women and children, carrying severe legal consequences.

Looking Forward: Collective Responsibility

For A Girl At A Time, this training was not just educational; it was a powerful reminder that the fight against FGM is far from over. It reaffirmed our commitment to being at the forefront of this movement, partnering with other organizations to push for lasting change. The interactive sessions allowed us to connect with experienced advocates and sharpen our approach in eliminating these harmful practices.

But we cannot do it alone.

As we move forward, we call on all allies, supporters, and partners to rally behind this cause. Your financial support can help ensure that A Girl At A Time Sierra Leone has the resources needed to sustain our critical work.

We know together, we can break the cycle of violence, uphold the rights of women and girls, and create a future free of FGM in Sierra Leone.

Let’s keep the spirit alive. Let’s end FGM once and for all.

#ConsentIsNotAnExcuse #ZeroToleranceOnFGM #FAHP #AGirlAtATime