Sierra Leone’s first lady refuses to condemn FGM without ‘reliable data’ on harms

This stance highlights the complex intersection of cultural sensitivity and evidence-based policy-making. While the pursuit of reliable data is important for crafting effective interventions, the delay in addressing a practice that affects millions of girls and women risks perpetuating harm. The challenge lies in balancing respect for cultural context with the imperative to protect human rights, suggesting that both data collection and moral urgency must inform policy responses.