Sierra Leone’s First Lady and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Fatima Bio, has strongly condemned child marriage, describing it as a form of “legalised rape” and urging the world to take stronger action to protect young girls.

She made the remarks during an interview on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, where she joined Sheryl Sandberg to discuss the urgent need to protect the rights and futures of girls around the globe.

During the conversation, Mrs. Bio explained that child marriage robs girls of their dreams and forces them into responsibilities they are not ready for. She said the practice destroys a girl’s hopes and limits her chances of planning for a better future.

Reflecting on her own life, the First Lady said she considers herself fortunate not to have become part of the cycle of child marriage. She noted that the war in Sierra Leone changed the direction of her life, adding that without it, she might have been married off at a young age.

According to her, once a girl is married off early, it becomes difficult for her to continue pursuing her dreams or future ambitions.

Mrs. Bio also revealed that her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, views child marriage as a crime against humanity. She said that under his leadership, laws have been introduced to tackle the issue and hold those who facilitate or take part in child marriages involving minors accountable.

Her appearance on CNN follows a recent engagement at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs in New York, where she spoke to global leaders and stakeholders about the need to end child marriage and promote education, protection, and empowerment for every girl.