First Lady Advocates for Stronger Laws Against Child Marriage on CNN

The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, has called for stronger global efforts to end child marriage during an interview on The Lead with Jake Tapper on CNN.

Speaking alongside Sheryl Sandberg, the First Lady highlighted the urgent need to protect girls worldwide from early and forced marriages, describing the practice as harmful to their future and well-being. She stressed that early marriage deprives girls of their dreams and forces them to take on responsibilities they are not prepared for.

Reflecting on her own experience, Fatima Maada Bio revealed she was married at a young age, but the civil war ended her marriage a circumstance she said ultimately saved her from remaining in an early marriage.

She described child marriage as a “legalised form of rape” and “legalised form of slavery,” urging governments and communities to enact strong laws and take collective action to protect girls and ensure access to education and opportunities.

The First Lady also referenced Sierra Leone’s recent legislative measures aimed at holding individuals accountable for facilitating or participating in child marriages involving minors.

Her CNN appearance follows her recent engagement at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs in New York, where she addressed global leaders on ending child marriage and promoting education, protection, and empowerment for every girl.