From escaping child marriage 'to an old pervert' to becoming Sierra Leone's first lady
Summary
Fatima Bio, Sierra Leone’s first lady, escaped a planned child marriage during her childhood and later sought asylum in the UK. She became an activist for women’s rights, helping to pass a law banning child marriage in Sierra Leone in 2024, and is known for being both a vocal political figure and a subject of public criticism.Key Facts
- Fatima Bio was almost married off as a child by her father but escaped before the wedding during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
- She moved to London as an asylum seeker at age 16 and gained independence and a voice to fight for others.
- Fatima married Julius Bio, who became president of Sierra Leone in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023.
- She advocates against child marriage and helped pass a law banning it in Sierra Leone in 2024.
- Fatima Bio lives in the presidential residence in Freetown but also keeps a council flat in Southwark, London, which has caused controversy.
- The council confirmed they check tenancies regularly but cannot comment on specific cases.
- She attended a 2022 Buckingham Palace reception to raise awareness of violence against women with several international first ladies.
- Fatima Bio maintains a family farm outside Freetown where she seems more relaxed than in public political settings.
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