Donghel Sigon: A breath of fresh air transforming childhood in Guinea
From vulnerability to autonomy: How one community is breaking the cycle of harmful practices to build a better future for every child.
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Labé, Guinea – In the rural community of Donghel Sigon, a wind of change is blowing in favour of children's rights. Where female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage were still widely practised, communities are now mobilising to protect every girl and offer her a better future.
Supported by the joint UNFPA-UNICEF programme and in partnership with the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and Vulnerable Persons, the municipality of Donghel Sigon is now a model of local mobilisation, community budgeting and a multisectoral approach to eliminating harmful practices.
Local resources for local solutions
Between 2023 and 2024, the municipality invested nearly USD 5,000 of its own resources to implement concrete protection measures. As a result, 3,464 girls aged 0 to 17 identified as being at risk benefited from mentoring, life skills workshops and community support.
‘Thanks to UNICEF, we are raising awareness among families and authorities through skits, talks and community activities,’ says Fatoumata, 17, a member of the Donghel Sigon girls' leadership club.
A strong commitment from local leaders
Religious and traditional leaders have formally committed to no longer performing marriages involving minors. From now on, all marriages must be validated by the town hall, ensuring compliance with the legal age requirement. This measure strengthens the synergy between traditional and civil authorities to protect children.
A multisectoral response for sustainable change
The Donghel Sigon model is based on an integrated approach, mobilising several key sectors:
• Education: integration of children's rights into school curricula and promotion of girls' schooling;
• Health: access to sexual and reproductive health, and strengthened links with the civil registry to prevent child marriages;
• WASH: access to water, hygiene and sanitation, promoting girls' retention in school.
Inspiring and spreading throughout Guinea
In August 2024, Donghel Sigon hosted an inter-municipal meeting with other communities in the Labé region to share best practices. This initiative aims to create regional momentum for the elimination of harmful practices.
A call to action: budgeting for children's rights
UNICEF calls for inclusive and decentralised budgeting, transparency in financing, and the strengthening of local communities to translate national commitments into concrete actions.
Investing in children's rights means building a better, fairer and stronger world says Mariama Diallo, 15, UNICEF Youth Advocate in Guinea and President of the Children's Parliament.
Conclusion
The story of Donghel Sigon shows that even with limited resources, strong local will, supported by technical partners such as UNICEF, can bring about profound and lasting social change. Together, let us ensure that every child in Guinea grows up free, protected and respected in all their rights.
