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London, UK & West Africa
About Us
Eradicating FGM, Preserving Bondo Culture
Keep the Drums, Lose the Knife is a survivor-led campaign founded in 2017 by Sarian Karim Kamara. Sarian is a Sierra Leonean-British activist who survived FGM at the age of 11 in Sierra Leone. Her personal journey of trauma, recovery, and subsequent healing inspired her to build a global movement that honors traditional African ceremonies while completely eliminating cutting.
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Alternative Rites
Initiating girls safely with music, drumming, and mentorship.
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Survivor Safe Spaces
Providing support groups, trauma counseling, and material aid.
Our work is recognized at the highest levels, including a commendation from UK Prime Minister Theresa May for Sarian's tireless efforts in supporting survivors and training frontline healthcare professionals.
Call us any time:
+44 (0) 20 7635 0000
Our Team & Supporters
Voices of the Movement
Sarian Karim Kamara
Founder & Lead Activist
Henry J. Kamara
Artist & Filmmaker
Fatmata Bangura
Community Lead (Kambia)
Kadiatu Sowe
Livelihoods Advisor
Get In Touch
We’d Love to Hear From You
Our Active Initiatives
Core Activities and Milestones
We Separate the Harm, Preserve the Rite
Making a Safe Transition Into Adulthood
Bondo society is an integral part of West African heritage. Through drumming, dancing, and communal transition, it instills sisterhood and cultural identity. We believe that we can celebrate our traditions without physical harm. Here is why communities are standing with us to make this shift.
Over 100 traditional cutters (Soweis) have renounced FGM and transitioned to sustainable alternative trades.
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Alternative Livelihoods
Support for soweis with tools and training for new careers.
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Survivor Advocacy
Empowering survivors to speak out and heal within their diaspora.
+
Years of
Campaigning
Support Our Advocacy Work
Explore Our Active Projects
and Support a Cause.
Working with Local & Global Partners
