By Juliana E.P. Kabba
The introduction of a new Child Rights Bill in Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ignited a significant cultural and political debate, drawing strong opposition from the National Sowie Council. In a formal statement released on October 24, 2024, the Council rejected the bill, urging members of the Bondo and Sande societies, along with traditional leaders, to stand against it. The Council labeled the bill an act of “recolonization,” claiming it misrepresents local customs and imposes foreign influence on Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage.
The Council’s statement calls upon Bondo and Sande members to appeal to their village and town chiefs, section chiefs, and Paramount Chiefs in Parliament to oppose the legislation. “This is a call to all true and proud Bondo and Sande members to make your voices heard loud and clear,” the statement asserts, promoting a collective stance against what they perceive as a threat to their cultural autonomy.
Central to the Council’s opposition is the belief that the bill fundamentally undermines the authority and sovereignty of Sierra Leone’s traditional societies. According to the Council, the Child Rights Bill, introduced in Parliament on October 17, aims to dismantle Bondo and Sande practices, framing cultural rites as “harmful practices.” They argue that references to “female genital cutting” in the bill are misleading and intended to malign longstanding cultural traditions, labeling it an “anti-Bondo” initiative.
Furthermore, the Council expressed concerns about the proposed role of UNICEF as a potential monitoring entity for practices related to Bondo and Sande societies. They view this as a direct threat to the cultural autonomy of these groups and an erosion of women’s authority within them. “The bill reflects a broader agenda,” they warned, associating it with the global End FGM by 2030 initiative, which they claim is driven by international donors and organizations with financial incentives.
The Council specifically criticized Honorable Mahoi, the bill’s sponsor, for introducing what they consider an affront to traditional values. They contend that the government is promoting this legislation as a child rights safeguard while undermining the structures and leadership of Bondo and Sande societies.
On the opposing side, child rights advocates argue that the bill is crucial for protecting the health, safety, and rights of children across Sierra Leone. Proponents emphasize that the legislation aligns with international human rights standards and represents a significant step forward in ensuring the welfare of children, particularly young girls, by addressing practices deemed harmful. They maintain that the bill is not intended to dismantle cultural traditions but rather to promote safe and respectful practices.
Honorable Mahoi addressed the National Sowie Council’s concerns, stating that the legislation does not aim to eliminate cultural practices but seeks to ensure that these practices do not violate children’s rights. Mahoi emphasized that the bill’s intent is to protect vulnerable children, advocating for a “balance between honoring cultural heritage and upholding basic human rights.”
“We must consider how cultural practices affect the younger generation, especially those who are often unable to speak up for themselves,” Mahoi stated. “This bill is about their safety, their future, and their rights.”
Organizations supporting the bill, including international child rights groups and local NGOs, point out the serious health risks associated with female genital cutting (FGC), which can lead to complications in childbirth, infections, and long-term physical and emotional harm. From their perspective, the Child Rights Bill is a vital step to protect young girls from these dangers.
The debate surrounding the Child Rights Bill underscores a broader tension between preserving cultural traditions and adapting to evolving societal standards. The Bondo and Sande societies are deeply embedded in Sierra Leone’s cultural fabric, symbolizing community identity, womanhood, and leadership among women. For many, these societies are a source of pride, bridging generations and fostering a sense of belonging.
However, changing perspectives on human rights and child protection have led to increasing scrutiny of certain cultural practices. Advocates for the bill argue that tradition must evolve alongside societal advancements, especially when the well-being of children is at stake. They contend that modernizing certain cultural practices does not erase cultural identity but strengthens it by aligning with global standards that protect human dignity and health.
As discussions continue, calls for dialogue between lawmakers, cultural representatives, and advocacy groups have grown louder. Many believe that a consultative approach could foster understanding and compromise, allowing for an inclusive solution that respects both cultural traditions and child protection.
Local leaders and civil society organizations have echoed this sentiment, urging for balanced conversations that honor cultural heritage while embracing modern principles of child rights. “This is a critical moment for Sierra Leone to find a middle ground,” said Fatmata Koroma, director of a local NGO focused on women’s rights. “We need to create space for everyone’s voices so that our laws reflect both our culture and our commitment to protecting our children.”
The National Sowie Council, however, remains steadfast in its position, calling for a full rejection of the bill and encouraging its supporters to mobilize within their communities. “We urge all our members and leaders to voice their opposition and stand united against this bill,” the Council’s statement concluded. “We must protect our culture, our values, and the sovereignty of our communities.”
The outcome of this debate could set a precedent for how Sierra Leone balances cultural heritage with evolving views on human rights and child protection. As Parliament prepares to deliberate on the Child Rights Bill, the nation faces a crucial choice: how to honor its rich traditions while ensuring that its laws protect the rights and well-being of its youngest and most vulnerable members.
For now, both supporters and opponents of the bill are rallying for their causes, with the nation closely watching as its leaders confront one of the most complex issues of cultural identity and child welfare in recent history.
