FGM Row Heats Up as Activist Dimonekene Fires Back at First Lady

Sierra Leonean-British human rights activist and anti-FGM campaigner Alimatu Dimonekene MBE has responded to recent remarks by First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, rejecting suggestions that anti-FGM activism is politically motivated.

Speaking in a video response, Dimonekene said activists working against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have spent decades advocating for the protection of women and girls and should not be portrayed as political actors because of their stance on the issue.

“For me, women and girls come first,” she said.

She argued that reducing issues affecting women and girls to party politics is dangerous and counterproductive, noting that campaigners have consistently addressed violence, abuse, rape, child marriage, and other forms of harm regardless of which political party is in power.

Dimonekene also said anti-FGM activists have supported initiatives championed by the First Lady, including campaigns on ending child marriage and promoting the protection of girls.

“We are the women doing the First Lady’s work,” she stated.

Responding to criticism that some activists engage from abroad without meaningful involvement in Sierra Leone, Dimonekene said she has worked extensively across the country, including in remote communities, as part of her advocacy. She added that she was born and raised in Sierra Leone and remains committed to women’s rights both locally and internationally.

The activist, who described herself as a survivor of FGM, reaffirmed her opposition to the practice, which she said continues to affect women and girls across the country.

“You’re the mother of the nation. This thing to pit us against each other because of politics should be stopped,” she said.

Dimonekene maintained that campaigners are not seeking political office and have no political agenda beyond addressing violence and discrimination against women and girls.

She also addressed the controversy surrounding the First Lady’s planned appearance at the University of Cambridge, stating that activists had written to the institution seeking clarification on its position regarding FGM and the invitation extended.

According to her, the group wanted to confirm whether the university was aware of the First Lady’s position on Bondo and related practices before proceeding with the invitation.

Dimonekene dismissed claims that anti-FGM activism is driven by donor funding, saying her work has not been funded by the United Nations or other international organisations.

“We were contributing to Sierra Leone before you even set foot in the United Kingdom,” she said.

Her remarks come amid ongoing public debate following exchanges between the First Lady and anti-FGM activists over advocacy, accountability, and the role of campaigners in addressing harmful traditional practices in Sierra Leone.