The harrowing stories emerging from Bokay’s Town, Grand Bassa County, underscore a devastating truth: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a tragic, ongoing human rights crisis in Liberia. Despite official declarations and growing international condemnation, the practice persists, claiming innocent lives and inflicting lifelong physical and emotional scars on countless girls and women.
A relative of recent victims vividly recounts the terrifying ordeal of fleeing traditional enforcers, enduring threats, and witnessing the death of a young friend—all to protect their daughters from a ritual rooted in harmful cultural beliefs. His plea for the criminalization of FGM is rooted in a desperate desire to safeguard future generations from the same fate. His story is emblematic of a broader community crisis, where tradition clashes with human rights and the urgent need for legal reform.
While Liberia’s National Council of Chiefs and Elders announced a three-year suspension of FGM in 2022, and a formal ban was declared in 2023, these measures remain largely symbolic. Without enforceable legislation, the practice continues unabated—especially in rural communities where traditional authorities wield significant influence. The absence of a clear legal framework leaves vulnerable girls unprotected, allowing the practice to thrive under the guise of cultural preservation.
The gruesome realities in Bokay’s Town—girls subjected to non-sterile procedures without anesthesia, some dying from infections or bleeding—highlight the urgent need for decisive action. The community’s disturbing reports of children as young as three undergoing mutilation reveal a systematic failure to prioritize the health and rights of girls. The death of “Monkonjay,” a young victim whose own father succumbed shortly after her passing, is a stark reminder that FGM is not just a cultural tradition but a deadly human rights violation.
The cultural rituals, such as the presentation of lappas and the “graduation” ceremonies, mask a brutal reality: girls are forcibly taken into the bush, mutilated, and, in some cases, do not return alive. The practice’s normalization, reinforced by elders with expanding authority, perpetuates a cycle of violence and silence.
The international community must stand in solidarity with Liberia in taking concrete steps to eradicate FGM. Enacting comprehensive laws criminalizing the practice, backed by effective enforcement mechanisms, is paramount. Education campaigns must challenge harmful myths, dispel cultural misconceptions, and empower communities to abandon this dangerous tradition. Support services for survivors and at-risk girls are equally essential, providing safe havens and medical care.
Liberia’s future depends on recognizing that the protection of girls’ rights is non-negotiable. The stories from Bokay’s Town serve as a stark call to action—one that requires unwavering political will, community engagement, and the courage to confront deeply ingrained cultural practices. Ending FGM is not just about legislation; it is about affirming the dignity, health, and human rights of every girl and woman in Liberia.
It is time for Liberia to end the silence, to break the cycle, and to declare unequivocally that FGM has no place in a nation committed to justice and human rights. The lives of countless girls depend on it.
