NPR

The Problem With Cherie Blair's Statement About Rape In Africa

Critics are raising questions about her comment that "most African ladies' first sexual experience is rape."
Women's rights activist Cherie Blair speaks at an event in California in 2015. Last month she drew attention for her comment that "most African ladies' first sexual experience is rape."

Women's rights activist Cherie Blair sparked outrage last week after The Guardian reported that she said "most African ladies' first sexual experience is rape" at a lecture on March 20.

Blair, who is the founder of a charity that supports female entrepreneurs in developing countries and who is married to former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, was giving to a group of about 100 students and members of the community, held at a secondary school in London.

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