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BLOODLESS BONDO 2026

MABALAY WITNESSES THE CLIMAX OF THE BLOODLESS BONDO 2026

In a powerful display of our Bondo without blade, knife, or any shield of blood or harm, Mabalay Village in Port Loko District, Sierra Leone, witnessed a deeply moving and historic moment as 55 young women and girls reached the climax of the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP), which is also known as the Bloodless Bondo, #NenehsStrategy.

What unfolded at Mabalay Village, Port Loko District, was more than a cultural procession; it was a powerful statement that culture can be preserved, celebrated, and passed on without causing harm.

The Malapra procession, one of the unique, amazing, and final cultural stages of the initiation, brought an extraordinary display of tradition, identity, and community spirit.

Dressed in their symbolic ARP attire, the 55 initiates moved through the community in a procession filled with cultural expression, songs, unity, and anticipation.

The procession continued to the stream; a deeply significant part of the tradition representing cleansing, prayer, transition, and preparation for the next chapter of their lives, and perhaps the most powerful message from Mabalay is this:

"Bondo does not have to disappear for FGM to end".

We can preserve the teachings, we can preserve mentorship, we can preserve the songs and cultural expressions, we can preserve the wisdom of our elders, and most importantly and uniquely, we can celebrate womanhood, and we can leave the cutting behind.

At AIM Sierra Leone, we believe culture is strongest when it protects the people who carry it forward, as the Bloodless Bondo has demonstrated that meaningful cultural transformation can occur through respectful dialogue, community ownership, education, and partnership, rather than confrontation.

This historic journey would not have been possible without the collective commitment of many people and institutions, and therefore, AIM Sierra Leone extends profound gratitude to:

  • The 55 courageous initiates who became part of this historic ARP
  • Their parents, fathers, mothers and families for their trust and support
  • Traditional leaders and elders of Mabalay and the wider community
  • Soweis, Bondo practitioners and cultural custodians who supported the process
  • FGM survivors and Born Perfect Girls whose voices and experiences continue to inspire change
  • The Mabalay community for its exceptional ownership and hospitality
  • Community men, women, husbands, wives, youth and children who embraced the initiative
  • The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs and other government stakeholders
  • FAHP and its member organizations for their solidarity and collective advocacy
  • Our implementing and technical partners who contributed to the success of the programme
  • BMZ and N'NINKIE for their valuable support
  • Media houses and journalists who continue to amplify the conversation
  • Advocates, community activists and human-rights actors standing with women and girls;
  • The AIM Sierra Leone dedicated team and leadership whose commitment, fieldwork and communication efforts helped bring this vision to life
  • And most importantly, every community member who believes that tradition and the protection of girls can move forward together.

As Mabalay approaches the final procession and graduation, this moment reminds us that ending FGM is not simply about telling communities what to abandon. Still, it is about listening, it is about dialogue, it is about creating alternatives, it is about building trust, and it is about walking with communities toward safer choices.

AIM Sierra Leone and partners remain committed to advancing the fight against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and all forms of harmful traditional practices through peaceful dialogue, sustained advocacy, community engagement and sensitization, media engagement, policy reform and stronger partnerships.

From Mabalay, one message continues to travel:

"Culture can evolve, traditions can be preserved, and women and girls can be protected".

Let's remind you all that by the end of this #NenehsStrategy, the culture remains, the knowledge remains, the dignity remains, and finally, the harm MUST GO!.

Bloodless Bondo is Performed