Bong County traditional leaders surrender FGM tools 

By Kruah Thompson 

 Female traditional leaders in Bong County have willingly surrendered their traditional tools used for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

They have also publicly committed to officially closing bush schools, commonly known as the Sande Society, and relinquishing their traditional properties to put an end to the age-old practice of FGM in Liberia.

The turnover ritual ceremony took place on Friday, October 20, 2023, when the National Council of Chief and Elders represented by his deputy Jemmie Jpokia, conducted a traditional ceremony, officially marking the closure of bush school in Gbaota, Bong County.

To reinforce their commitment on ending FGM in the county, the Zoes undertook a symbolic march, bearing their tools traditionally used for FGM practice on their heads, as they journeyed from the bush to the location of the ceremony.

At the event, they handed over these instruments to Judee Andee, dubbed as a traditional queen, as a meaningful gesture to mark their dedication to ending the practice of FGM in that part of the county.

 During this event, the traditional leaders were visibly emotional as they sat on the ground to listen to their queen and the leader of the traditional council of Liberia as they declared their intention to continue the important rite of passage for young women into adulthood while excluding FGM from their cultural tradition. 

Speaking during the occasion, UN Women’s country representative, Comfort Lamptey, commended the traditional leaders for their tireless efforts to eradicate FGM in Liberia. 

She emphasized that embracing cultural change is challenging, but imperative for a better Liberia, where young girls can achieve their full potential in society. 

She at the same time offered words of encouragement to the emotional traditional leaders, underscoring the far-reaching impact of their actions, which, according to her, will extend well beyond Liberia’s borders.

She urged Zoes in other counties of Liberia with heritage centers to continue similar initiatives, as a testament to their commitment to ending FGM.

Additionally, the UN Women Liberia representative pledged her support to former Zoe’s in the eleven practicing counties to help them find alternative sources of income as they laid down their tools. This support includes providing agricultural tools, and they aspire to rally support from additional partners in the fight against FGM.

However, during the ritual ceremony in Gbaota Town, Bong County, the Zoe leaders were asked three times by Jemmie Jpokia, Deputy Chief of the Liberia National Council of Chiefs and Elders, whether they agreed with the decision to relinquish their tools.

Speaking on their behalf, Judee Andee agreed, and with tears in their eyes, all of them responded emphatically with, “Yes, we agree.” The ceremony was filled with emotional moments, marking a significant turning point in the struggle against FGM.”

Emphasizing their position on the occasion, the Swedish Government commended Liberia for its groundbreaking achievement in surrendering their traditional tools and stressed the importance of their commitment, leadership, in prioritizing the well-being of women and men.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia, Urban Sjöström, expressed that Sweden has been a longstanding partner to Liberia, and it was an honor to witness the symbolic handover and the joint commitment from all partners to prohibit and eradicate FGM.

He added that this is also evidence of the vital role and strong partnership led by the traditional Chief, the traditional Council elder, and the local community chiefs, as well as the government’s firm commitment to taking a leading role in this endeavor.

“You have civil society and international partners such as UN Women and Sweden, capable of enhancing this locally owned process, and we are discussing the sustainability of this initiative,” he notes 

 According to him, it might be a collaborative effort involving the government’s traditional Council, civil society, and local communities to further this cause because their investment partners view it very positively. The goal is to ensure that both girls and boys, women and men, have equal opportunities and rights in Liberia. 

“From Sweden, we perceive that this is what truly fosters prosperity, development, and the collective contribution of everyone to society. Therefore, it needs to be sustained, led by traditional leaders, the government, civil society, and communities.”

The traditional queen of Liberia, Judee Andee, also addressed the audience during the tool handover ceremony, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to enforce the ban on FGM, even though it has been officially prohibited.

She pointed out that the efforts to eradicate FGM in Liberia are being financed by UN Women, the Swedish government, and the United Nations. Furthermore, she explained that plans are in progress to establish vocational heritage centers in all 11 counties where FGM is practiced, aiming to equip women with alternative skills.

“In Bong County, the establishment of such a center is presently pending, and international partners are urged to support this initiative,” she added.

she added that The ceremony signifies a significant milestone in the battle against FGM in Liberia, uniting various stakeholders in their unwavering commitment to ending this harmful practice. Despite the challenges, the determination to uphold the ban and promote gender equality and human rights remains steadfast.”

In the meantime, both the Ministry of Gender and Action Aid Liberia have pledged to continue their steadfast support for the fight against FGM in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative effort to achieve this noble goal. Editing by Jonathan Browne