Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 4, 2025 — The Government of Sierra Leone has enacted a new law that imposes a minimum fine of NLe 100,000 on anyone found guilty of subjecting a child to harmful traditional practices, particularly the initiation of girls under 18 into secret societies such as the Bondo.
The Child Rights Act of 2025, passed by Parliament on July 3, represents a major legal step in the country’s efforts to protect minors from abuse, exploitation, and violence.
Speaking shortly after the law was passed, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, warned that the days of impunity for such practices are over.
“Anyone caught initiating a girl under 18 into any form of rite of passage will face legal consequences,” she said. “The law clearly states that the penalty is a minimum fine of NLe 100,000 or imprisonment. We are serious about enforcement.”
While the law avoids explicitly referencing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), it firmly criminalizes all forms of harmful initiation practices. The NLe 100,000 fine serves as a clear deterrent and reflects the government’s commitment to holding violators accountable.
Minister Mahoi emphasized that the Act is not against cultural traditions but aims to protect children from irreversible harm. “We respect culture,” she said, “but no tradition should come at the cost of a child’s safety or dignity.”
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs is set to roll out a national education campaign to inform the public about the law and its penalties, urging communities to report violations and support child protection efforts.
“This fine is not symbolic,” Minister Mahoi stated. “It’s a warning. The law is now on the side of the child—and it will be enforced.”
What about the males traditional practise