Sierra Leone’s First Lady discusses social issues at Utah World Trade Center Women’s Breakfast

Editor’s note: The following story discusses sexual violence and may be traumatizing for some people.

Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio spoke about national social issues in her country at a breakfast held Oct. 22 at the Thomas S. Monson Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The World Trade Center in Utah hosted a national women’s breakfast for Sierra Leoneans and visitors. Bio was a former actor, filmmaker, and survivor of early childhood marriage and guest speaker.

He advocated addressing social problems plaguing the country of Sierra Leone, such as rape, HIV, childhood marriage, child support, and the lack of educational opportunities for women.

More than 35 people attended the event. Attendees stood as the First Lady entered the ballroom with her representatives.

After the Utah World Trade Center representative introduced herself, the First Lady spoke about the social issues facing Sierra Leone.

Bio shared her personal experience of issues such as rape and childhood marriage in Sierra Leone. She got married at the age of 12 but later escaped from the abusive situation.

Because of his background, he speaks from experience and is able to understand his people and help them.

“It’s our effort to shed some light on the issues of women and girls in today’s world; there is no equal playing field… We live in a world where men and boys are privileged and entitled, but women and girls are marginalized,” Bio said. .

Marginalization is found in educational systems and sexual rights, Bio said.

The common theme of her speech was how women and young girls are marginalized when it comes to rape and child marriage. He said many girls develop menstrual problems, sexually transmitted diseases and even cervical cancer.

“My focus on rape and early marriage is essentially intentional; Because I believe that if you can overcome early marriage and rape, then it may be possible to reduce HIV and AIDS in Africa, it may be possible to reduce child mortality rates. “It may be possible,” he said.

After the speech, Bio shared advice and messages of hope to his fellow Sierra Leoneans in attendance. Participants participated in the question-answer session.

Many participants said they were personally impressed by his speech and the way he answered questions.

A participant named Mohamad Mansaray from Sierra Leone shared that his sister also had a childhood marriage and later eloped.

“I’m glad you stood up for it and were pretty strong on it. I think this will create a big change not only for Sierra Leone but also for other African countries,” Mansaray said.

Another participant, Aminata Lansana from Sierra Leone, participated in a question-and-answer session with the First Lady and received advice on how to deal with the mental effects of childhood sexual trauma in adulthood.

“What he did made me realize that I could grow up and be something, forget my past, keep moving forward and help other people,” he said.

Bio gave his closing remarks on how to lead in a small community.

“Leadership comes from God. Only God can direct you how to lead… You must be intentional… and you must be faithful and honest. …And lead from the back, not the front. “Let the people come first,” he said.

Several Sierra Leoneans who attended the breakfast said they were inspired by the First Lady’s words. He expressed gratitude and humility for the opportunity to talk about these issues with the people of Utah.