Sierra Leone's First Lady has described her first husband as an "old pervert" in a rare BBC interview revealing her escape from child marriage to become one of Africa's most influential political women.
Fatima Bio spoke candidly about her early life in the exclusive BBC World Service interview, detailing how she broke free from an arranged marriage as a child. Her stark description of her first husband underscores the harsh reality faced by countless young girls where child marriage remains widespread.
Now standing alongside her husband President Julius Maada Bio, Mrs Bio has transformed her traumatic experiences into a powerful platform for advocacy. She uses her prominent position in Sierra Leonean politics to champion women's rights and empowerment - causes that stem directly from her own harrowing journey.
Her story resonates particularly with UK policy priorities in West Africa, where Britain maintains deep historical ties. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office actively funds programmes to end child marriage and promote gender equality across the region. Mrs Bio's willingness to share her experience publicly amplifies these efforts and brings crucial international attention to the issue.
The First Lady's candour also reflects the changing face of African politics, where women are increasingly claiming prominent roles and using their platforms to drive social change. Her courage in speaking out may inspire other survivors to share their stories and accelerate progress in the fight for women's rights across the continent.