The Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES-SL) organization has initiated 30 Women in the bloodless Bondo in Nengbema community, Nyawa Lenga chiefdom, Bo District.
The 30 were taken into the bloodless Bondo shrine for two weeks starting 21 December, 2023 to 4th January, 2024.
According to the Executive Director of WAVES-SL, Hannah Yambasu, the Alternative rite of passage (Bondo without cutting) is a piloted project in Bo District after Port Loko and Tonkolili Districts respectively.
Director Yambasu Informed that, the Bloodless Rite involves several stages, adding that immediately after the public declaration and pledges by some set of soweis in the Nyawa Lenga chiefdom and in full consent of 30 parents, 30 Adolescent girls who had been long prepared for the alternative rite of passage were accompanied to the newly upgraded shrine.
She stated that the 30 women were taught about diverse cultural practices in the Bondo society in exception of the FGM.
She pointed out that, the 30 women were also trained on different topics of life skills, moral values and ethics.
She underscored that the SRHR/SGBV issues, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (personal Hygiene and also Menstrual Hygiene Management) were part of the topics taught.
Hannah Yambasu maintained that, all of the above are seen as essential self-care and capacity building that will enhance the advancement of girls, thereby enabling them to navigate their ways all throughout their life span.
She stressed that as an organization they are working on the aims and objectives of a coalition, Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), especially on total abandonment on FGM.
She however, said the 30 women will serve as ambassadors to influence others to see the need to abandon FGM and work towards protecting women and girls from harmful traditional practices in not only Bo District but nationwide.
