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From asylum seeker to first lady
Fatima Bio, Sierra Leone's first lady, reflects on her journey from a near-child marriage in her homeland to seeking asylum in London, where she rebuilt her life before returning to champion women's rights.
A narrow escape from child marriage
Bio's childhood was cut short when her father, a diamond miner, arranged her marriage to a man in his 30s when she was just 13. She describes the decision as final, with no room for discussion. By 16, however, Sierra Leone's civil war in 1996 created an opening for her to flee with relatives, landing in London on Christmas Eve.
"England was my amazing grace," she says. "I went to England, I got my voice. I got my independence, and then I was able to fight for myself-and now I can fight for as many young people as possible."
Championing change in Sierra Leone
Now a prominent advocate, Bio played a key role in passing a 2024 law banning child marriage in Sierra Leone. She highlights the country's struggles with period poverty, noting that girls miss up to 80 days of school annually due to lack of access to sanitary products. "If you miss 80 days of the school year, it's almost like missing an entire term," she says, adding that she personally distributes free sanitary towels to girls in need.
Her activism has earned her both admiration and criticism. Some young Sierra Leoneans see her as a refreshing voice for women's rights, while others argue she oversteps the traditionally ceremonial role of first lady.
Controversies and criticisms
Bio's outspoken nature has drawn backlash, including boos from MPs during the 2025 State Opening of Parliament, where some lawmakers reportedly sang derogatory songs about sex workers. She responded by putting on earphones and listening to music, later dismissing the incident as a sign of uneducated resistance to women's empowerment.
Her retention of a council flat in London, where her children live, has also sparked debate. With over 18,000 people on Southwark's housing waiting list, critics question why a first lady living in a presidential mansion would keep the property. Bio defends the arrangement, stating she pays the rent herself and her children are British citizens.
Southwark Council declined to comment on individual tenancies but noted it investigates cases where tenancy obligations may not be met.
Allegations and denials
In January 2025, Bio faced scrutiny after a video surfaced on her social media showing Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch drug kingpin wanted for smuggling cocaine, attending a church service near her and President Julius Bio. The first lady denied knowing Leijdekkers, stating, "I don't bring people into church. I'm not a Christian. I'm a Muslim."
She also dismissed rumors that Leijdekkers had a child with her stepdaughter, calling them "lies I am not going to validate." Analysts note that most Sierra Leoneans are more focused on economic struggles than the controversy.
A potential political future?
Bio's confidence and high-profile activism have fueled speculation about her political ambitions. With her husband's term ending in 2028 and him ineligible to run again, some wonder if she might seek the presidency. She downplays the idea, saying, "I'm not hungry to be president. It'll have to be the will of God."
Her husband, a former soldier, has faced his own controversies, including criticism over economic management and the 2023 election's transparency. The electoral body maintained that safeguards ensured a fair vote.
Redefining Sierra Leone's image
Bio is determined to reshape perceptions of her country, which has long been associated with child soldiers, colonialism, and blood diamonds. She emphasizes Sierra Leone's religious tolerance-highlighting her Muslim faith and her husband's Christianity-and points to the first girls' high school in sub-Saharan Africa as a symbol of progress.
At a graduation ceremony in Freetown, she engages with young women, reinforcing her message of empowerment. "I listen to the people and I bring it to the government," she says. "I listen to the government and I take it to the people. That's how we work."
