Editor's note: The following story discusses sexual violence and may be traumatizing to some individuals.
Fatima Bio, the first lady of Sierra Leone, spoke at a breakfast held at the Thomas S. Monson Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Oct. 22 about national social issues in her country.
The Utah World Trade Center hosted a national women’s breakfast for Sierra Leoneans and visitors. Bio is a former actress, film producer and survivor of early childhood marriage and was the guest speaker.
She has advocated for addressing social issues that plague the country of Sierra Leone such as rape, HIV, childhood marriage, alimony and lack of educational opportunities for women.
There were more than 35 people in attendance at the event. Those in attendance stood as the first lady entered the ballroom with her representatives.
After a representative of the Utah World Trade Center introduced her, the first lady spoke on the social issues Sierra Leone faces.
Bio shared her personal experience with issues such as rape and childhood marriage in Sierra Leone. She was married by the age of 12 but later escaped the abusive situation.
Because of her background, she speaks from experience and is able to help her people by understanding them.
“Our attempt to throw some light on the issues of women and girls in today's world, there is no level playing field … we are living 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.
A common theme throughout her speech was how women and young girls are marginalized when it comes to rape and childhood marriage. Many girls develop menstrual issues, sexually transmitted diseases and even cervical cancer, she said.
“My focus on rape and early marriage is basically intentional, because I believe if you can take care of early marriage and you can take care of rape, then the reduction of HIV and AIDS in Africa would be possible the reduction of infantile mortality rate will be possible,” she said.
After speaking, Bio shared advice and messages of hope to her fellow Sierra Leoneans in attendance. Attendees participated in a question and answer session.
Many attendees said they were personally touched by her speech and the way she answered questions.
One attendee, Mohamad Mansaray from Sierra Leone, shared that his sister also experienced childhood marriage and later escaped.
“I'm glad she is advocating and pretty forceful about it. I think it will make a big change, not just for Sierra Leone, but for the other African countries,” Mansaray said.
Another attendee, Aminata Lansana from Sierra Leone, participated in the question and answer session with the first lady and received advice on how to deal with the mental effects in adulthood from childhood sexual trauma.
“What she's doing has made me realize that I can grow and become something and forget my past and keep going forward and help other people,” she said.
Bio gave closing remarks on how to lead in a small community.
“Leadership comes from God. It is only God that will direct you how to lead ... You have to be intentional … and you have to be faithful and be honest. ... And don't lead from the front, but lead from the back. Let the people be at the front,” she said.
Several Sierra Leoneans at the breakfast said they were inspired by the first lady's words. She expressed gratitude and humility for the opportunity to address these topics with the people of Utah.