By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – In a significant step toward ending female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, two strategic two-day consultative workshops have been convened to roll out the African Union (AU) Accountability Framework on Eliminating Harmful Practices.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and supported by the Embassy of Iceland, the consultations brought together key government stakeholders and civil society organizations to strengthen national efforts aimed at protecting the rights and wellbeing of girls across the country.
The newly introduced AU Accountability Framework is designed to enhance national reporting and tracking mechanisms, providing a comprehensive tool for translating continental commitments, including Agenda 2063 and the Maputo Protocol, into concrete and measurable actions at the national level.
During the workshops, participants received technical training on the framework’s indicators and reporting mechanisms. They also reviewed existing data, assessed legal and policy frameworks, identified reporting challenges, and explored strategies to improve monitoring and accountability.
The consultations further strengthened collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations, fostering a coordinated approach to implementing national action plans focused on eliminating FGM and child marriage.
Stakeholders noted that the framework will serve as a critical accountability tool, enabling both state and non-state actors to track progress, identify gaps, and improve evidence-based interventions aimed at protecting girls from harmful traditional practices.
By equipping key actors with the knowledge and tools required to effectively implement the framework, Sierra Leone is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the bodily autonomy, health, education, and rights of every girl, while accelerating progress toward the eradication of FGM and child marriage nationwide.