FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice celebrate the groundbreaking ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, issued July 8, 2025, which found Sierra Leone responsible for human rights violations related to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This crucial decision marks a significant stride towards eliminating FGM across West Africa.
The Court’s ruling underlines Sierra Leone’s failure to enact legislation criminalising FGM, a breach of its international human rights obligations and a violation of the rights of women and girls to dignity, bodily autonomy and security. The case was courageously brought forward by the non-governmental organisations Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) and We Are Purposeful, alongside an FGM survivor, Kadijatu Balaima Allieu.
“This landmark ruling is a cause for profound celebration and a testament to the tireless efforts of civil society organisations and brave survivors,” said Jude Thaddues Njikem, Regional SRHR Specialist at Sonke Gender Justice. “It clearly affirms that governments cannot relinquish their responsibility to protect women and girls from FGM. Sonke Gender Justice stands ready to support efforts in Sierra Leone and across the region to ensure this judgement translates into concrete action and a future free from FGM.” Njikem commits.
- The Court has ordered Sierra Leone to take immediate action, includingEnacting and implementing legislation to criminalise FGM.
- Taking comprehensive measures to prohibit its occurrence and protect victims.
- Adopting administrative, educational, and socio-economic policies for its eradication
- And providing compensation to Kadijatu Balaima Allieu and promptly investigating and prosecuting those responsible for her FGM.
This decision resonates deeply with the MenEngage Africa Alliance, which has, since 2013, supported partners in Sierra Leone, notably the Men’s Association for Gender Equality Sierra Leone (MAGE SL), in a sustained advocacy for legislation to end FGM. Despite years of mobilising, engaging communities, and urging lawmakers to act, no national law has been passed to ban the practice.
The MEA Strategy 2023–2027 identifies harmful practices, including FGM, as grave human rights violations that demand urgent attention. MEA continues to centre the voices of survivors and grassroots activists in advancing gender justice, bodily autonomy, and sexual and reproductive health and rights across the continent.“
This ruling is not only a legal victory but a deeply personal one for all of us in Sierra Leone,” said Abu Bakarr Sesay, Vice Chair of MenEngage Sierra Leone. “For over a decade, we have stood alongside women, girls, survivors, and communities, raising our voices, challenging harmful norms, and calling for protection, dignity, accountability, and justice. Today, that call has finally been heard.”
This decision sets a precedent for other countries in West Africa and beyond, underscoring the need for legislative action, institutional accountability, and survivor-centred justice. It is a timely reminder that cultural traditions cannot override fundamental human rights.
As the MenEngage Africa Alliance, we renew our commitment to working with partners, governments, and communities to ensure that no girl is subjected to FGM and that this historic judgement ignites real progress across the region.
For more information, please contact
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice on amu@genderjustice.org.za or +27748574254
Abdul Martin, MenEngage Sierra Leone Coordinator, on abdul.martin@magesierraleone.org
Notes to editors
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence and question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 23 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas, including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting, and promoting peace on the continent.