Sierra Leone is Under Pressure to Amend the Child Rights Act 

In January 2024, three girls aged 12, 13 and 17 died in Sierra Leone following complications allegedly associated with the cutting of parts of their genitals. The results of a post mortem carried out on one of the girls was excessive bleeding. Anti-FGM advocates are still pushing the police to exhume the hastily buried body of one of those who died so it can be autopsied. In most of Sierra Leone, it is common for girls to go through initiation rituals known as Bondo. These are considered an important traditional practice and a rite of passage for young girls. Secret Bondo rituals often occur in isolated forested areas referred to as a Bondo bush. There, the young girls are taught ritual dances and chants and how to confront spirits. They also learn how to do domestic chores and be prepared for a husband with the traditional role of a wife and mother being conferred on the young women during the ritual.

SOURCE: DW