Sierra Leone’s First Lady Faces Backlash Over FGM Comments
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has drawn criticism from health professionals and activists after she refused to condemn female genital mutilation (FGM) without “reliable data” on its harms, according to a letter sent to the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad) on 10 June. Over 20 signatories, including former government officials and UN experts, warned that her perceived support for the practice risks undermining decades of anti-FGM advocacy.
What Is FGM and Why Is It a Concern in Sierra Leone?
FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, often performed as a rite of passage in communities across West Africa. The United Nations has called it a violation of human rights, and a 2012 UN resolution urged a global ban. In Sierra Leone, 83% of women and girls have undergone the practice, according to a 2019 national survey, though the rate has declined from 90% in 2013. The ritual, carried out by women known as *soweis* affiliated with secret societies, is linked to long-term health complications, including infertility and fatal infections.
What Are the Reactions to the First Lady’s Comments?
A letter from health professionals, survivors, and activists to Oaflad accused Maada Bio of creating “misalignment with national and international commitments” by not explicitly condemning FGM. Ranya Kargbo, a UN official and FGM survivor, criticized her public remarks encouraging *soweis* to “not be afraid,” calling it a “slap in the face” for victims. Maada Bio, who leads the “Hands off our girls” campaign, stated she “is not in favour of any form of circumcision that is forced upon an individual” but emphasized her refusal to take a stance without “reliable data.”
How Has the First Lady Defended Her Position?
Maada Bio, a former film producer and advocate against child marriage, said her comments were “taken out of context” and intended to “encourage dialogue” with marginalized women. She cited a 2023 article published in the *BMJ Journal of Medical Ethics* that questioned the “standard tale” of FGM, arguing that the practice’s cultural significance is often overlooked. The piece, however, was misattributed in the source material as appearing in September 2025—a date that does not exist. Maada Bio also criticized anti-FGM activists, including Nimco Ali and Anita Koroma, calling them “scammers” on her Facebook page.
What Is the Legal and Political Context?
Despite a 2022 ruling by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) court declaring FGM “one of the worst forms of violence against women,” Sierra Leone has no national law criminalizing the practice. The court ordered the country to enact legislation and protect victims, but President Julius Maada Bio, who chairs Ecowas, has not publicly acknowledged the ruling. Last year, he signed the Child Rights Act 2025, which excludes provisions addressing FGM.
What Are the Next Steps for Anti-FGM Advocates?
Activists are urging Oaflad to clarify Maada Bio’s position and hold her accountable for her statements. The group has also called for increased public education on FGM’s health risks and stricter enforcement of existing regional commitments. As the debate intensifies, the role of political leaders in shaping cultural norms remains a critical factor in the fight against the practice.