By Syllo Wise
Traditional practices in Sierra Leone, as in much of Africa, are deeply ingrained in the social fabric of communities. These customs are passed down from one generation to the next and play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity, societal structure, and daily lives of the people. However, while many of these practices are seen as valuable, offering a sense of belonging and continuity, some have detrimental effects on health, human rights, and societal progress. Balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with the need for modernization and development is a complex challenge.
Sierra Leone is a nation with over 16 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct traditions, beliefs, and practices. From birth to death, traditional rituals mark key life events, including initiation into adulthood, marriage, childbirth, and even conflict resolution. The country’s historical roots, having emerged from centuries of indigenous African societies interspersed with colonial influences, have preserved many ancient customs.
On the positive side, traditional practices often foster community cohesion, instill values such as respect for elders, and provide frameworks for leadership. For instance, the “Poro” and “Sande” secret societies, prevalent among several ethnic groups, offer both men and women essential education about adulthood, including community roles, leadership, and spiritual teachings.
Yet, several harmful traditional practices (HTPs) continue to undermine human rights, particularly those of women and children. These include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages, traditional medicinal practices, and discriminatory practices that limit women’s economic and social freedoms. The task ahead lies in distinguishing beneficial practices from harmful ones and finding respectful, culturally sensitive ways to transform those practices that are damaging to individuals and society.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is one of the most widely debated harmful traditional practices in Sierra Leone. According to UNICEF, an estimated 90% of women aged 15 to 49 in Sierra Leone have undergone some form of FGM, making it one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. This practice involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, and it is usually performed as part of initiation ceremonies into the Bondo society, the female equivalent of the Poro society.
Proponents of FGM argue that it is a rite of passage, a symbol of purity, and a necessary tradition for women’s social acceptance. However, the practice has been strongly condemned by human rights organizations, medical professionals, and global health institutions due to the severe physical and psychological damage it causes.
Health Risks: FGM can lead to severe complications, including chronic pain, infections, infertility, childbirth complications, and even death due to excessive bleeding. Additionally, survivors often experience long-term trauma, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Violation of Human Rights: FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of the rights of girls and women. It perpetuates gender inequality, as it is rooted in the control of women’s sexuality and bodies.
Social Isolation: Women who refuse or escape FGM are often stigmatized and ostracized by their communities, cutting them off from social and economic opportunities.
Child marriage is another widespread traditional practice in Sierra Leone. Many communities see early marriage as a way to preserve family honor, increase economic stability, or solidify social alliances. Families, particularly in rural areas, marry off girls as young as 12 or 13 to older men, often to avoid the financial burden of raising a girl or to secure a bride price.
Traditional practices in Sierra Leone are fundamental to the nation’s identity, reflecting centuries of cultural heritage and communal values. These practices play an essential role in the social cohesion of communities, particularly in rural areas, where rites of passage and ceremonies help mark significant life events such as birth, marriage, and death. At the same time, they often intersect with spirituality, leadership, and governance through secret societies like Poro (for men) and Sande (for women), which help shape social norms and morality.
However, while traditions offer a sense of identity, belonging, and continuity, some have been identified as harmful, infringing on the health, rights, and social mobility of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. The challenge lies in protecting human rights while respecting cultural practices, promoting positive aspects of tradition, and addressing harmful practices.
Before delving into the harmful effects, it is important to recognize that not all traditional practices in Sierra Leone are detrimental. Many foster social harmony and mutual aid, promote conflict resolution through customary law, and ensure moral education and spiritual development, particularly through secret societies like Poro and Sande. Elders, considered the custodians of wisdom, lead important communal decisions and pass down crucial cultural knowledge to younger generations. These structures help to maintain the social fabric of the nation and give individuals a clear sense of purpose within their communities.
As previously discussed, FGM is one of the most pervasive harmful traditional practices in Sierra Leone. Although proponents argue that it is a crucial rite of passage, the medical and psychological toll it exacts on women and girls is devastating. Long-term health consequences, including infections, childbirth complications, and trauma, underscore the need for reform.
While the government has implemented policies to reduce the prevalence of FGM, political and cultural opposition remain strong. The practice is closely linked to the Sande society, and many families believe that FGM is necessary for girls to achieve womanhood and gain social acceptance. This cultural significance makes it difficult to eradicate without offending deeply held beliefs.
Public Education Campaigns: One of the most effective ways to address FGM is through comprehensive public education campaigns that explain the medical risks and long-term harm caused by the practice. These campaigns should involve respected community leaders, health professionals, and survivors of FGM to lend credibility to the message.
Legal Frameworks: Strengthening and enforcing laws that prohibit FGM is also crucial. While laws against the practice exist, enforcement remains weak, particularly in rural areas. Advocacy groups must push for stricter penalties for those who perform or promote FGM, while ensuring that survivors have access to healthcare and counseling.
Alternative Rites of Passage: One culturally sensitive solution is to introduce alternative rites of passage that maintain the social significance of the initiation without involving FGM. These ceremonies could focus on imparting life skills, education about women’s rights, and personal empowerment, thereby maintaining the cultural essence while protecting girls’ health.
The practice of early and forced marriage continues to be prevalent in many parts of Sierra Leone, with girls often being married off before they reach adulthood. These marriages are frequently motivated by economic factors, with families viewing girls as financial burdens or sources of income through bride prices. Additionally, early marriages are sometimes seen as a way to prevent teenage pregnancy out of wedlock, which is considered a social stigma.
Interruption of Education: Child brides are usually forced to drop out of school, losing opportunities for education and personal development. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as girls without education are less likely to find meaningful employment and contribute to their families’ financial well-being.
Health Risks: Girls who marry early are at higher risk of experiencing complications during childbirth, as their bodies are not yet fully developed. They also face increased vulnerability to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and psychological trauma.
Social Isolation: Child brides often suffer from social isolation, losing out on relationships with peers and becoming more dependent on their husbands. This dependency limits their ability to make decisions or escape abusive relationships.
Promoting Girls’ Education: One of the most effective ways to combat early marriage is by ensuring that girls remain in school. When girls are educated, they are more likely to delay marriage, have fewer children, and contribute economically to their families. Incentivizing families to keep girls in school, through scholarships or financial support, can help counteract the economic pressure to marry them off.
Legal Protection: Enforcing existing laws that set the minimum age for marriage is essential. Legal reforms should be paired with efforts to raise awareness in communities about the dangers of child marriage and the rights of girls to education and protection.
Empowerment Programs: Initiatives that provide girls with vocational training, reproductive health education, and leadership skills can also help reduce the pressure for early marriage. These programs offer girls viable alternatives, enabling them to become financially independent and contribute to their families without the need for early marriage.
Traditional medicine in Sierra Leone has a long history and is still widely practiced, particularly in rural areas. Herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and divination are often used to treat illnesses or misfortunes. While some traditional medicines have proven benefits, others can be dangerous due to unregulated preparation and administration. Moreover, reliance on traditional healers can delay access to modern medical care, exacerbating health issues.
Delayed Access to Healthcare: People who rely solely on traditional medicine may delay seeking treatment at hospitals, particularly for serious conditions such as infections, malaria, or complications during childbirth. This can lead to worsening health outcomes or even death.
Health Risks: Some traditional remedies involve the use of toxic substances or unsafe practices, which can cause harm or worsen the condition of the patient. Traditional birth attendants, for example, may lack the training to handle complications during childbirth, putting mothers and babies at risk.
Exploitation and Misinformation: In some cases, unscrupulous traditional healers exploit vulnerable patients, charging exorbitant fees for treatments that are ineffective or harmful. The lack of regulation in traditional medicine also means that patients have no recourse if they are harmed by these treatments.
Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine: One approach is to create a system where traditional healers work in collaboration with modern healthcare providers. Training programs could be developed to teach traditional healers about the importance of modern medicine and how to recognize when a patient requires hospital care.
Health Education: Raising awareness about the limitations and risks of traditional medicine is crucial. Public health campaigns should emphasize the importance of seeking early medical care for serious conditions, while also respecting the role of traditional medicine in minor ailments and spiritual healing.
Regulation and Certification: Developing a certification process for traditional healers could help ensure that only qualified practitioners are allowed to offer treatments. This would help to protect patients from exploitation and reduce the risk of harmful practices.
Addressing the harmful effects of traditional practices in Sierra Leone requires a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach. Simply outlawing these practices is unlikely to be successful, as they are deeply woven into the social fabric. Instead, it is important to engage communities in dialogue, involving traditional leaders, women, and youth in the process of reform.
Education is key to changing harmful practices. As people become more informed about the risks associated with FGM, early marriage, and unsafe traditional medicine, they are more likely to embrace alternative solutions. Empowering women and girls, in particular, is critical for breaking the cycle of harmful traditions. When women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, they are better positioned to challenge harmful norms and advocate for change.
In conclusion, while traditional practices in Sierra Leone offer valuable cultural heritage, some practices are undeniably harmful to the health and rights of individuals, particularly women and children. By promoting education, legal reform, and community-driven solutions, it is possible to preserve the positive aspects of tradition while addressing the harmful ones. The future of Sierra Leone depends on finding this balance, ensuring that cultural pride and progress can coexist.
