Gender Ministry Condemns Graduation of Over 500 Girls from Sande Bush in Lofa Says it violates Temporary National Ban
August 13, 2024
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has strongly condemned the reported graduation of 502 girls from a Sande Bush school in Konia, Lofa County.
The Ministry describe the action as a direct violation of the Temporary National Ban on all Sande Bush activities and harmful traditional practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
A widely circulated video on social media shows young girls seated on the ground, singing and clapping, while elderly women in traditional attire danced around them in celebration.
The footage’s narrator states: “The final graduation celebration here in Konia town, 502 of them graduating today.” The Ministry described the incident as a serious setback, undermining months of progress in raising awareness, fostering community dialogue, and promoting the national campaign to end harmful traditional practices.
The ban came into effect April 30, 2025, and expected to run until January 2026. it was enacted in consultation with the National Council of Chiefs and Elders and aims to halt the initiation of minors, protect children’s rights, and promote “initiation without mutilation,” ensuring cultural practices do not harm girls’ education, health, or well-being.
The Ministry stressed while acknowledging Liberia’s rich cultural heritage, that FGM has no health benefits and causes lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
The ministry further noted that it also violates Liberia’s obligations under international human rights treaties such as the Maputo Protocol and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Ministry welcomed the swift disciplinary measures taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the suspension of Paramount Chief James Tarnue of Lorma Chiefdom and Clan Chief Bigboy Kokulo of Zeyeama Clan.
These actions signal a strong commitment to accountability and enforcement of national policy. Ongoing efforts under the National Roadmap to End FGM include collaboration with traditional leaders, government agencies, civil society, and development partners.
The Ministry is also advocating for legal reforms, including the draft FGM Bill being developed by the Female Lawyers Association of Liberia a major step toward cultural transformation and safeguarding the rights and future of Liberian girls. The Ministry of Gender reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ending harmful traditional practices and called on all communities, leaders, and citizens to unite in protecting the nation’s daughters.
