Sierra Leone’s first lady refuses to condemn FGM without ‘reliable data’ on harms
Summary
Fatima Maada Bio, Sierra Leone’s first lady, said she does not support female genital mutilation (FGM) but will not condemn it without “reliable data” showing harm. Her comments have caused concern among activists, health workers, and politicians who fear her stance could weaken efforts to ban FGM in Sierra Leone, where the practice remains common.Key Facts
- Fatima Maada Bio is the wife of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and leads the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad).
- She said she needs clear evidence of harm before condemning FGM, a practice banned globally by the UN but common in Sierra Leone.
- More than 20 activists, politicians, and survivors wrote to Oaflad asking for clarification on her statements, worried they might undermine anti-FGM efforts.
- Sierra Leone has one of the highest rates of FGM, with 83% of women affected as of 2019, often before age 15.
- FGM involves removing part or all of the external female genitalia and can cause serious health problems and death.
- There is no law banning FGM in Sierra Leone; the practice is linked to secret women’s societies involved in initiation rituals.
- Maada Bio has said her words were taken out of context and that she opposes forced circumcision.
- She shared a post criticizing global anti-FGM campaigns for their approach, reflecting ongoing debate in the country.
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