In a nation where female genital mutilation (FGM) remains deeply entrenched, the words of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Biocarry significant weight. However, her recent comments have sparked a global outcry, leaving many to question her commitment to women’s rights and the eradication of this harmful practice.
Bio, a former film producer and actor, has been a vocal advocate against child marriage and leads the campaign “Hands off our girls” in Sierra Leone. Yet, since her husband, President Julius Maada Biowas elected in 2018, she has refrained from openly condemning FGM, a practice that affects a staggering 83% of women in the country.
Bio’s Ambiguous Stance on FGM
In an exclusive response to the GuardianBio stated that she would not openly condemn FGM until she saw reliable data demonstrating its harm. This position has drawn criticism from health professionals, survivors, human rights activists, and politicians, who have written to the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad) to express their concerns.
The letter, sent on 10 June, demands clarification on Bio’s public statements, which signatories argue risk undermining years of advocacy and creating misalignment with national, regional, and international commitments. Among the signatories are Amy SmytheSierra Leone’s first minister of gender and children’s affairs, and Isha Dyfana human rights lawyer and UN expert.
The Controversy Surrounding Bio’s Comments
Bio’s comments have been particularly contentious following a public appearance where she was filmed expressing support for FGM practitioners, known as soweis. Ranya Kargboa senior UN professional and FGM survivor, criticized Bio’s remarks, stating, “When you are in a leadership position, your words matter.” Kargbo argued that Bio’s words could be interpreted as a license for the practice to continue.
In response, Bio maintained that her comments were taken out of context and were intended to encourage dialogue and reassure women who felt marginalized. She clarified, “I am not in favour of any form of circumcision that is forced upon an individual.” However, her critics remain unconvinced, pointing to her social media posts where she shared an article titled “Harms of the current global anti-FGM campaign” and labeled prominent anti-FGM campaigners as “scammers”.
The Legal and Cultural Landscape of FGM in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world, with 71% of women subjected to the practice before the age of 15. Despite its prevalence, there is no law in Sierra Leone that criminalizes FGM. The practice is often performed as part of a ritual marking a girl’s entry into womanhood and is carried out by women of the influential and secretive Bondo and Sande societies.
In, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) court of justice ruled that FGM is “one of the worst forms of violence against women” and ordered Sierra Leone to enact legislation criminalizing the practice. However, President Bio has not publicly acknowledged the ruling, and the Child Rights Act 2026signed into law in October last year, does not address FGM.
As the debate continues, the world watches to see how Sierra Leone will address this critical issue and whether its First Lady will take a clearer stance against FGM.
