Sierra Leone First Lady Shares Story of Escaping Child Marriage

She said the experience gave her independence and motivated her to fight for young people. She recalled that her father, a diamond miner, arranged her marriage to a man in his 30s when she was 13. The wedding was set for when she turned 16 in 1996, but the civil war allowed her to flee with relatives.

Bio landed in London on Christmas Eve wearing a T-shirt and later moved into a council flat in Southwark. She said England gave her a voice and the ability to advocate for others. She still maintains the tenancy for her British-citizen children and pays the rent herself. Southwark council stated it conducts regular checks on tenants to ensure obligations are met.

As first lady, Bio has championed a law banning child marriage that took effect in 2024. She distributes free sanitary products and visits schools to address period poverty, noting girls miss up to 80 days of school annually. She was elected head of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development.

Bio also speaks at political events and challenges officials, including members of the ruling party.

During the State Opening of Parliament on 7 August 2025, some MPs booed her and sang a derogatory song. She responded by putting on earphones and listening to music. In January 2025, a video posted on her social media showed a man later identified as a convicted drug dealer standing behind the first couple at a church service.

Bio denied knowing him and said she would not validate rumors about his alleged connection to her step-daughter.

Bio said she is not hungry to run for president but believes it will be God's will if it happens. Her husband's term ends in 2028. Sierra Leone continues to face economic pressures from global events, including inflation and rising living costs. Bio maintains a farm outside Freetown where she keeps chickens, cattle, and goats.