Mass Initiation of Minor Girls in Kenema Sparks Controversy and Civil Society Outrage

A reliable source in Kenema has reported to Sarah Kallay Blog, a mass initiation of approximately fifty minor girls. According to the anonymous tip, over twenty girls under the age of ten and more than ten under the age of fifteen were initiated in Petema Village.

Our source indicates that a visiting female from overseas intended to finance a "district bondo," which entails covering all initiation fees for girls throughout an entire district. This practice typically draws in parents who are interested but lack the financial means, leading some to initiate their children, ranging from infants to those well under eighteen years of age, due to the absence of fees.

However, some community members resisted the process, deeming it inhumane. This resistance prompted the visiting woman to redirect the initiation to the traditional bush of renowned musician Amie Kallon, who proceeded with the ceremony without reservation.

This event has sparked outrage among civil society organizations, who view it as a direct challenge to their efforts regarding the Child Rights Bill. This bill, currently facing delays in Parliament, explicitly prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage, classifying certain practices as harmful and discriminatory based on gender and age.