Sierra Leone First Lady Criticized Over Female Genital Mutilation Remarks
Advocates say Fatima Maada Bio’s public remarks risk undermining anti-FGM efforts.
*Pressure is mounting on Sierra Leone First Lady Fatima Maada Bio after a coalition of activists and political figures questioned her position on female genital mutilation (FGM).
More than 20 advocates signed a June 10 letter seeking clarification from Bio over remarks they believe could undermine campaigns against the practice. According to The Guardian, the correspondence was sent to the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, where Bio currently serves as president.
The concerns come as Sierra Leone continues to face scrutiny over FGM. The country has no law criminalizing the practice, and a national survey conducted in 2019 found that 83% of women had undergone the procedure.
Among those who signed the letter were human rights lawyer Isha Dyfan, former gender minister Amy Smythe and senior United Nations professional Ranya Kargbo, who is also an FGM survivor. The group pointed to a video in which Bio appeared to reassure soweis, traditional practitioners who perform the procedure.
Kargbo argued that remarks from a national leader carry significant influence.
“When [Bio] said to the soweis [the cutters], not to be afraid of anything and that she stands with them, those were powerful words from the highest office in Sierra Leone,” said Kargbo.
She also warned that such statements could be interpreted as support for the practice.
“When somebody says that, it means ‘I have all the resources and support, do what you want’. It is an absolute slap in the face for all of us,” Kargbo added.
Bio has rejected suggestions that she endorses FGM, maintaining that critics misunderstood her comments.
“I am not in favour of any form of circumcision that is forced upon an individual,” said Maada Bio.
The first lady has said she does not campaign either for or against FGM. She has also stated that, as a circumcised woman, she wants localized evidence demonstrating harm before publicly condemning the practice.
The dispute comes as the Ecowas Court of Justice has ordered Sierra Leone to criminalize FGM. President Julius Maada Bio has not publicly addressed the ruling, and lawmakers excluded FGM provisions from the Child Rights Act 2025.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Chanel Ayan (‘RHODubai’) Goes Public About Surviving Forced Genital Mutilation at Age 5
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