Yamah Torkpa

Yamah Torkpa is a traditional zoe in Liberia known for her role in the cultural practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), where she has initiated over five hundred girls. As a staunch defender of this ancient practice, Torkpa believes that banning FGM would lead to the erosion of cultural heritage. Her life and work are now caught in the midst of a national debate following President Joseph Boakai's proposal to permanently outlaw FGM, which she views as a threat to her community's traditions.