By Abdul M. Jalloh
Mr. Gassimu Sesay, Assistant Director for the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MGCA) in Bombali District, has confirmed a worrying increase in early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) cases in 2025. He made the disclosure in an exclusive interview discussing the Ministry’s activities, successes, challenges, and plans for 2026.
“The high rate of early marriage and FGM in Bombali requires collaborative efforts from government, local and international organizations, community leaders, and the public to protect girls and promote gender equality,” Sesay emphasized.
He revealed that December remains a peak period for FGM initiation, often leaving schools empty in January. In a recent incident in Masuba Community, nine children were reportedly initiated into the Bondo Society. The Sowies responsible were arrested, and the Ministry, alongside the Family Support Unit (FSU), intervened promptly. Investigations are ongoing.
“Parents and girls are increasingly reporting FGM cases to us and cooperating with investigations. Gender-sensitive organizations also support our work, making the fight against FGM a collaborative effort,” Sesay noted.
Regarding early marriage, Sesay said local chiefs and teachers are now acting as whistleblowers, alerting authorities when girls are removed from school for marriage. This signals progress, as early marriage contributes to teenage pregnancy, school dropout, health complications, and social and economic disadvantages for girls.
The Ministry is tasked with developing laws, policies, and strategies to protect women and children, advocating for gender equality, and lobbying Parliament to pass gender-sensitive legislation. In 2025, successes included advocacy campaigns, community engagement, and the passage of laws such as the Child Rights Act (2025), Child Marriage Act (2024), Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act, and the Customary Land Rights Act, which gives women equal land ownership rights.
Sesay highlighted ongoing challenges, including resistance to changing harmful cultural practices and insufficient collaboration in empowering women and girls. Some communities continue practices that endanger girls’ well-being.
He called on stakeholders to support gender empowerment initiatives, provide equal opportunities for women, and promote sustainable development. In 2026, the Ministry plans to intensify interventions through partner coordination meetings, focusing on lessons learned, gaps, opportunities, and recommendations to improve the lives of women, girls, and children across Bombali District.
