By Mohamed Konneh
Desert Flower Sierra Leone on February 6th 2026 commemorated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with s symposium. The symposium was held at the St. Fatima Orphanage Hall, No 2 River, outside the city Freetown.
The gathering brought together, school pupils, parents and well-wishers under one roof.
Speaking about the day, the Desert Flower, Africa President, who also doubles as the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Fr. Peter Konteh said ‘’on this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), I join millions across the world in raising a united voice for the protection, dignity, and rights of every girl child.
He said Desert Flower Foundation Sierra Leone and Africa, reaffirm their unwavering commitment to ending FGM in all its forms.
‘’FGM is not culture. It is not religion. It is violence against women and girls — a grave violation of human rights that causes lifelong physical, psychological, and emotional harm,’’ he said.
The Rev. Fr. noted that across Africa, including here in Sierra Leone, too many girls still suffer in silence. ‘’Behind every statistic is a child whose future is altered forever. This must stop, he emphasized.
Fr. Konteh said Desert Flower Foundation, continue to work through education, community engagement, survivor support, and advocacy — partnering with traditional leaders, faith communities, government institutions, and international allies — to break the cycle of harmful practices and empower girls to live in safety and dignity.
He said the 2030 goal to end FGM will not be achieved without sustained commitment, adequate investment, and courageous leadership at every level.
‘’We call on governments, civil society, religious leaders, parents, and communities to intensify efforts, strengthen laws, support survivors, and prioritize prevention. Let us choose humanity over harmful traditions. Let us choose protection over silence. Let us choose dignity over fear, Fr. Konteh noted.
He said by this the world can create a future where every girl is safe, valued, educated, and free to reach her God-given potential.
Madam Mary Bangura from Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development added her voice to the discuss noting that FGM is barbaric and mostly associated with evil.
Madam Bangura called on parents to allow voices of their children when it comes to issues of FGM.
‘’Potential young girls, and women have died while undergoing FGM. Most times these girls are cut using unsterilized instrument that normally leads to excessive bleeding,’’ she said.
Victim of FGM a young lady (Name Withheld) who is now pursuing a law degree explain her ordeal after she was force to go through that painful experience.
She said a student pursuing law degree she sees FGM as a foreign concept.
‘’This is not our culture. We don’t need it. I am still going through the trauma my parent put me when they force me to be initiated.
She called on Parents to protect their girls and not to allow them experience FGM.
‘’I come from traditional background, I was force into the FGM and that scar still remains with me. Our voices needed to be heard in certain decision taken regarding our well-being,’’ she said.
