From escaping child marriage 'to an old pervert' to becoming Sierra Leone's first lady

Fatima Bio, the wife of Sierra Leone's president Julius Bio, is a compelling yet divisive figure in politics. As the country's first lady, she has been vocal about women's and girls' rights, and has championed a law banning child marriage in Sierra Leone, which came into effect in 2024. Fatima Bio's own experience as a near-child bride, arranged by her father at the age of 13, inspired her to fight for change. She now uses her platform to advocate for young people's rights and independence.