Biography

Rugiatu Turay is an activist in Sierra Leone working to end the abusive cultural practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). At just 12 years of age, Rugiatu was forced to undergo FGM while staying at her aunt’s house. Her mission is to empower women to become strong and self-reliant so that they are able to challenge abusive traditional practices done in the name of culture.

During the civil war in Sierra Leone, Rugiatu fled the country in 1997. In a refugee camp in Guinea she met women who also opposed the brutal practice of FGM. The women bonded and together founded the human rights grassroots organization Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM). In 2003, Rugiatu returned to Sierra Leone and began her educational work, teaching girls and women that this archaic and abusive practice must end. Despite numerous death threats, Rugiatu works hard to persuade the soweis, the women who do the cutting, to lay down their knives and stop FGM. AIM also works against other violations of women's rights such as early and forced marriage and violence in marriage.

Rugiatu is helping to break the taboo and secrecy surrounding the brutal ritual of FGM and other forms of abuse. AIM has persuaded over 400 circumcisers in 111 villages to "drop their knives", often by promising them alternative employment. AIM currently offers secure accommodation, nutritious meals and education to 15 girls and informs children of their human rights through school seminars.