Rafiatu Finah Koroma, now bravely recounting her harrowing past, revealed the heart-wrenching tale of her life’s adversities after losing her parents at the tender age of 3
In 1996, in the Eastern part of Freetown at Kiss Black Hall Road, Rafiatu was entrusted to her aunt’s care. Unfortunately, her circumstances took a distressing turn, subjecting her to maltreatment, deprived education, and basic necessities.
Desperate for survival, she found herself ensnared in a life she never imagined—forced into prostitution by an exploitative boss who imposed dire consequences for any defiance.
In a chilling revelation, Rafiatu described a world where the breaking of any rule resulted in a horrifying fate—swift death and secret burials.
To add to her distress, societal rituals demanded forceful participation in secret societies, such as female genital mutilation (bondo), before being accepted into the group. Despite this, in a courageous act, she decided to break free at the age of 17, securing her safety by stealing her captor’s money.”
However, her escape was not without peril. As she sought refuge, fate intervened in the form of a compassionate man who provided her with assistance, aiding her flight from both her aunt and the menacing boss.
Rafiatu’s tale sheds light on the unimaginable struggles faced not only by her but also by friends who risked life and limb, some meeting tragic accidents in their attempts to break free from the clutches of the boss and the secret society.
Rafiatu Finah Koroma’s story stands as a testament to resilience and the grim realities faced by many, shedding light on the urgent need for awareness and support for those ensnared in similarly dire circumstances.
