30-Year-Old Sarah and her Child Face Persecution
The lives and destinies of vibrant Sierra Leonean boys and girls continue to be destroyed as a result of “unprogressive” traditions.
Traditional societies, such as the Poro for men and Sowei for women, among others, have maintained a stranglehold on the lives of boys and girls in Sierra Leone for ages. Despite growing calls for reform, authorities continue to turn a blind eye, leaving many to face persecution, trauma, and in some cases, untimely deaths due to forceful initiations into these societies.
One such individual is 31-year-old Sarah Kanu, whose life has been upended by relentless pressure from the Bondo Society, family, and community. Following the death of her grandmother, Kadiatu Dumbuya—also known as Ya Sampa—in August 2022, Sarah has been targeted to replace her as head of the Sowei Union in Pepel Town. Tradition demands that the eldest granddaughter succeed the Sowei leader, a role Sarah has resolutely refused.
Sarah’s refusal has led to reported threats and attempts on her life, forcing her to flee Sierra Leone for her safety. Attempts to seek protection from the Sierra Leone Police have been futile, as the matter is considered “traditional” and beyond the police’s jurisdiction.
However, Sarah’s ordeal goes beyond her personal refusal to replace her grandmother. She is also battling to protect her five-year-old son, who is reportedly being targeted for initiation into the all-male Poro Society by the family of the child’s father. This dual threat has placed Sarah in double jeopardy, as she struggles to shield herself and her son from being forcibly co-opted into these secret societies.
For Sarah, standing against one of these oppressive traditions is an insurmountable challenge; facing both is unbearable. Her story illustrates the ongoing trauma faced by many women and children in Sierra Leone, who are trapped in a cycle of coercion, violence, and systemic neglect.
A Call for Urgent Legislative Action
Sarah’s case is just one of many that highlight the urgent need for robust legislation to protect the rights and safety of individuals, particularly young girls and boys, who refuse to be initiated into these traditional societies. Without meaningful intervention, countless lives will continue to be endangered by practices that have no place in a modern society.
The time is long overdue for Sierra Leone to enact laws that challenge these harmful traditions, guarantee individual freedoms, and ensure that no one—regardless of gender or age—is subjected to persecution or violence in the name of culture. Sarah’s courage in standing up against these oppressive practices serves as a beacon of hope and a rallying call for change.