A public declaration meeting in the Benduma Community, Bagbwe chiefdom, Bo District was held following series of the Inter-Generational Dialogue (IGD) training sessions organized by WAVES-SL for participants of the ‘Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation in Sierra Leone’ project supported by BMZ through action Medeor . The initiative aims to promote child protection, prevention of harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), strengthen community awareness of children’s well-being and rights, and encourage families to work together to develop their community and to extend these efforts to neighbouring communities.
The following were the objectives of the meeting:
- To reinforce community commitment to end harmful practices against girls.
- Promote positive cultural values that support child development.
- Encourage community ownership of development and education initiatives.
- Foster collaboration among stakeholders in safeguarding children
The Executive Director Madam Hannah Fatmata Yambasu, in her statement said that Inter‑Generational Dialogue is a powerful reminder that individuals need to strengthen the harmonious blend of wisdom and innovation, hence the need to continue engagement with both sexes of the younger and the older generations. By this, she maintained, the older generation should share their past lifetime experiences with the younger generation and encourage them to emulate the good happenings of the past. This, she maintained should foster understanding and appreciation between the two sexes and generations, break down stereotypes, build trust, and help to proffer solutions to address the root causes of violence and inequality going forward.
She concluded by assuring the gathering of her organization’s commitment to upholding the rights of especially women and girls and creating opportunities where individuals are heard, valued and empowered to shape a safer and a more inclusive Sierra Leone.
The Project Manager for Action Meador- Sandra who was excited the at the unfolding of events at the meeting encouraged community people to remain committed to upholding the aims and objectives of WAVES-SL and the on-going project for the benefit of the community and the girls in particular.
During the engagement meeting various statements were made by stakeholders at different levels including community stakeholders comprising chiefs, female societal heads, youth leaders, religious heads and teachers. Also targeted were the male gender transformative group members and the safe space girls in their safe space.
Participants generally discussed the need to protect and prevent girls from harmful practices and to promote their well-being, emphasizing the maintenance of positive cultural traditions while discouraging those that hinder development.
During the stakeholder engagement, the Town Chief and several community leaders expressed appreciation for the project’s impact. They noted significant changes in their children’s behaviour, performance, and confidence since the project’s inception.
One of the leaders mentioned that prior to WAVES-SL’s intervention, there was no effective system supporting children’s education. However, since the inception of the project, their girls have shown great improvement in school. Notably, one girl achieved an aggregate of 13 in this year’s BECE examination, making the community very proud and motivated to continue working with the WAVES-SL
Community members also shared their thoughts with team that, before their children were not able to speak confidently in public forums, but now they have learnt to communicate openly with their parents and express their concerns without fear.
In conclusion, the community currently operates a Human Rights Unit that educates residents about their rights and responsibilities. This has fostered open discussions between parents and children, both at home and in public places. However, community members requested for the empowerment of the male gender transformative members who have succeeded the then Child Welfare Committee in promoting and protecting children’s rights and well-being.
The public declaration meeting at Benduma Community demonstrated stronger community commitment to promoting girls’ education, protecting children’s rights, and sustaining development efforts as stakeholders expressed appreciation for the support from WAVES-SL and requested continued collaboration to strengthen child protection structures, particularly through the support of existing child protection structures.
