As President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone arrives in The Gambia, a powerful appeal from Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL) calls on him to seize a historic opportunity to champion the rights of women and girls across West Africa. As Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Bio faces mounting pressure to clarify his stance on a recent ECOWAS ruling addressing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and to push for a formal, region-wide ban on the practice.
The appeal comes at a pivotal moment for The Gambia, where FGM remains a contentious issue. In April 2025, The Gambia’s Supreme Court confirmed its jurisdiction to hear a constitutional challenge to the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act, which criminalized FGM. The plaintiffs argue the law violates cultural and religious freedoms, with the case set for October. The debate intensified following the tragic death of a one-month-old girl, allegedly due to FGM, sparking arrests and renewed calls for accountability.
WILL’s statement emphasizes the urgency of President Bio’s leadership. “This is not just a diplomatic visit; it’s a chance for transformative action,” the group declared, urging Bio to uphold the ECOWAS ruling and advocate for an unequivocal ban on FGM. The organization sees the upcoming court case as a potential landmark for constitutional supremacy and the protection of women and girls from harmful traditional practices.
As ECOWAS Chair, Bio’s position could shape the region’s approach to gender justice and human dignity. His response will signal whether ECOWAS will strengthen its commitment to bodily autonomy or falter in the face of cultural resistance. WILL calls for Bio to act with “courage and clarity,” galvanizing regional solidarity to end FGM.
The Gambia’s legal battle and recent tragedy have drawn international attention, with advocates arguing that Bio’s firm stance could set a precedent for West Africa. “President Bio has the power to lead a movement for liberation and equality,” WILL stated. We urge him to stand firmly with women and girls.”
With the region watching, Bio’s next steps could redefine ECOWAS’s legacy in the fight against gender-based violence, ensuring a future where women and girls are protected from harmful practices across West Africa.
