Kadijatu Balaima Allieu’s journey is one of extraordinary courage and resilience. In 2016, as an adult, she was forcibly subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), enduring severe physical and psychological trauma.

When she sought justice in her home country of Sierra Leone in the years that followed, authorities failed to properly investigate or prosecute those responsible, effectively denying her access to justice. Refusing to be silenced, Kadijatu brought her case before the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which on the 8th of July 2025 issued a landmark ruling holding Sierra Leone accountable for violating her fundamental human rights, recognizing FGM as a form of inhuman and degrading treatment, and calling for stronger action to end the practice.

In Sierra Leone, where FGM remains highly prevalent—affecting approximately 83% of women and girls aged 15–49—her case represents a critical challenge to a practice that impacts the vast majority of women in the country. At the same time, this moment is especially significant: FGM is most often carried out on young girls and infants who are unable to speak out or seek justice, whereas Kadijatu, as an adult survivor, has the rare and powerful opportunity to challenge this practice through the courts and demand accountability.

Today, Kadijatu continues her fight for justice under extremely difficult circumstances. After speaking out, particularly following the ECOWAS ruling, she has faced multiple threats from members of her community and has been forced to flee and live in hiding for her safety. Your support will help cover the legal costs needed to pursue further action and appeals, ensure her protection, and provide for her basic needs while she remains displaced.

By contributing, you are not only helping Kadijatu seek justice but also standing with her in the fight to protect countless other women and girls from harm. With continued support, her case has the potential to set a powerful legal framework that protects activists, survivors, and girls at risk of FGM, and to drive lasting change across Sierra Leone and beyond.

Read more about Kadijatu’s story here .

Many thanks!