Sande, a women's initiation society event in rural village in Cape Mount County, Liberia, West Africa. - stock photo

Sandes are a part of Liberia's cultural heritage, is a secret society. As part of being a member, women take a vow of secrecy after weeks or even years of training in the forest, promising not to tell uninitiated girls or men what happens to them. The Sande provides unity of womanhood that sustains her in many ways throughout her life. The goals of this secret society are to teach young women the responsibilities of adulthood. The girls are taught to be hard working and modest in their behavior, especially towards their elders. At the conclusion of their initiation the girls are ritually "washed" and returned to the community. Liberia, West Africa.