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The First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Fatima Bio, has described child marriage as a form of “legalised rape,” calling for stronger global action to protect girls from early and forced marriages.
Speaking in an interview on The Lead with Jake Tapper on CNN, the First Lady joined Sheryl Sandberg to highlight the urgent need to safeguard the rights and futures of girls around the world.
During the discussion, Mrs. Bio stressed that early marriage deprives girls of their dreams and forces them into responsibilities they are not prepared for. She described child marriage as a practice that destroys a girl’s aspirations and limits her ability to plan for the future.
Reflecting on her personal experience, the First Lady said she considered herself fortunate not to have become part of the cycle of child marriage. She noted that the war in Sierra Leone altered the trajectory of her life, explaining that without it, she might have been married off at a young age.
According to her, once a girl realisesbshe has been married off, it becomes difficult for her to continue thinking about her dreams or future ambitions.
Mrs. Bio further revealed that her husband, President Julius Maada Bio views child marriage as a crime against humanity. She noted that under his leadership, laws have been introduced and implemented to address the issue and hold those who facilitate or participate in child marriages involving minors accountable.
The First Lady’s appearance on CNN follows her recent engagement at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs in New York, where she addressed global leaders and stakeholders on the need to end child marriage while promoting education, protection, and empowerment for every girl.
