Activist Questions First Lady’s Participation in Bondo Procession

Women’s rights activist Rugiatu Nenneh Turay has criticised the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, over her participation in the recent Bondo and Sande cultural procession held in Kenema, saying it could be interpreted as an endorsement of practices linked to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Speaking on Truth Media, Turay argued that the First Lady’s involvement in the cultural event raises serious concerns among human rights advocates who have long opposed harmful traditional practices associated with aspects of the Bondo society.

“What happened in Kenema, with the First Lady being involved, clearly shows an endorsement of the violations that those soweis are carrying out,” she stated during the interview.

Her comments follow the First Lady’s participation in the annual cultural procession in Kenema City, where thousands gathered to celebrate Bondo and Sande traditions through cultural displays, traditional performances, and expressions of heritage.

Dr. Fatima Maada Bio described the event as a celebration of unity, heritage, and cultural preservation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Sierra Leone’s traditions across generations.

The Bondo and Sande societies are long-standing traditional institutions in Sierra Leone, widely associated with rites of passage for women and girls. While many communities regard them as an important part of cultural identity and social structure, they have also remained at the centre of debate due to concerns raised by rights groups over Female Genital Mutilation.

Human rights advocates continue to call for stronger public education and action against harmful traditional practices, while cultural defenders maintain that the societies represent heritage, identity, and social structure within many communities.

The remarks by Turay have reignited national debate surrounding the Bondo and Sande societies, particularly on the tension between cultural preservation and human rights concerns linked to FGM.