By Larry Katta
Sierra Leone’s first lady Fatima Jabbe-Bio will no longer speak at a women’s empowerment conference at the University of Cambridge following criticism from activists over her stance on female genital mutilation (FGM).
Women’s rights campaigners had criticised organisers for inviting Jabbe-Bio to the Global Power Women Forum, scheduled to take place at Wolfson College, arguing that her participation sent a troubling message given her past comments on the practice.
Jabbe-Bio has previously declined to publicly condemn FGM and has been quoted as saying she does not believe the practice is harmful, drawing criticism from anti-FGM advocates.
A letter signed by survivors and campaigners said the invitation risked undermining efforts to end the practice and support victims.
The conference is being organised by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), which said it opposes FGM. Its executive director, Ibifuro Ken-Giami, confirmed that Jabbe-Bio would no longer participate in the event.
A spokesperson for Wolfson College said the event was not being run in collaboration or partnership with the college.
Jabbe-Bio, who lived in London for more than a decade before becoming first lady, has also faced scrutiny in British media over reports that she continues to rent a council flat in the Southwark area.
She declined to engage with questions from The Times regarding the controversy.
The development highlights the sensitivity of FGM-related issues in international forums and the growing pressure on public figures to take clear positions on the practice, which is widely condemned by global health organisations and rights groups.
