Sierra Leone Struggles to End Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation is prevalent in Sierra Leone, with rights advocates concerned about its impact on women and girls. The country has no law that outrightly criminalizes the practice, making it daunting to tame.

In Port Loko city, north-west of Sierra Leone, it is common to see women undertake what they consider an important traditional practice – a rite of passage for young girls.

Amid drumming, singing, and dancing, these women who form a group known as “Bondo” go on a street procession…