By Ragan M. Conteh

Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, founder and CEO of A Girl At A Time Sierra Leone, stands as one of the most relentless and influential global advocates for ending female genital mutilation (FGM) and advancing gender equity, social justice, and community empowerment.

Her remarkable leadership, resilience, and strategic activism have not only inspired countless individuals across Sierra Leone but have also sparked vital conversations and systemic change across Africa and beyond.

With over 30 years of experience as a campaigner and survivor of FGM herself, Alimatu has built a life’s mission around dismantling harmful traditional practices that violate the rights and dignity of women and girls. Her organization, A Girl At A Time Sierra Leone, is a dedicated, independent, social impact entity committed to ending sexual and gender-based violence, including FGM/C, child marriage, and other harmful cultural practices. Through advocacy, community-based interventions, peer education, and mentoring, the organization amplifies youth voices and empowers communities to create safer environments for girls.

Alimatu’s work is not just about prevention—it is transformational. Under her leadership, A Girl At A Time has championed girls’ education as a fundamental pathway out of poverty, demonstrating how educating girls breaks generational cycles of inequality. She has built bridges between grassroots communities, traditional leaders, health practitioners, policymakers, and international bodies, making her an essential voice in shaping laws and policies aimed at eliminating FGM both nationally and globally.

Understanding the deeply rooted cultural significance of traditional rites, Alimatu and her organization though not their special area of work closely with other advocates and champions of the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) model.

Alimatu believes strongly that by respecting positive cultural values while removing the harmful practice of cutting, the ARP approach like many more such approaches integrates sexuality education, blessings from elders, and community celebrations that honor girls without subjecting them to physical harm.

This culturally sensitive innovation preserves community identity while safeguarding girls’ rights and futures.

The human cost of FGM is devastating—leading to death from hemorrhage, infections, psychological trauma, and long-term complications during childbirth. Alimatu’s work addresses these realities head-on. She has strategically focused on shifting harmful social and gender norms through extensive community engagement, public education campaigns, and media advocacy. She strengthens the capacity of activists, teachers, health providers, and traditional authorities to confront and ultimately abandon FGM practices.

Her achievements have been recognized at the highest levels, earning her the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to the prevention of violence against women and girls globally. Alimatu Dimonekene’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to human rights.

Through A Girl At A Time Sierra Leone, Alimatu continues to inspire new generations of activists, advocates, and community leaders, ensuring that girls are not only protected but empowered to thrive, lead, and redefine their destinies. Her work reminds the world that ending harmful practices like FGM is not only a moral imperative-it is essential for building healthier, more equitable societies.

Alimatu Dimonekene MBE’s tireless campaign is not just an endless fight against FGM; it is a relentless march toward a world where every girl’s dignity, health, and potential are fully realized.