In a statement released Saturday, Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio expressed her deep honor and gratitude for her appointment as the Presidet of Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
“This role is not only a privilege but also a profound responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm,” she stated.
She extended her sincere appreciation to her fellow First Ladies for their support and confidence in her leadership. “Your belief in my leadership inspires me to steer this ship towards our collective goals,” she added.
First Lady Bio also expressed her gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone. “I also want to express my sincere appreciation to all Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, for granting my husband the opportunity to serve our nation. Your trust and support are invaluable,” she stated.
She acknowledged the unwavering support of her husband, President Julius Maada Bio. “I would like to thank my ‘He for She’ president, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, for empowering me and providing a platform that allows me to champion the cause of women and girls in Sierra Leone and beyond,” she said. “Together, we will work tirelessly to uplift our communities and advocate for positive change.”
The OAFLAD is a pan-African organization that brings together First Ladies from across the continent to advocate for the empowerment of women and girls.
In Sierra Leone, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is making significant strides in empowering women across the nation. With a focus on education, health, and economic independence, she is championing initiatives that aim to uplift the lives of women and girls, fostering a society where they can thrive.
Since her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, took office, Fatima has leveraged her platform as First Lady to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. Recognizing the challenges that women face in Sierra Leone, where cultural and economic barriers often hinder their progress, she has made it her mission to address these issues head-on.
One of the key initiatives led by Fatima Maada Bio is the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which aims to combat teenage pregnancy and promote girls’ education. This campaign addresses the alarming rates of school dropouts among girls due to early pregnancy and child marriage, which remain pressing issues in the country. Through public awareness programs, community engagement, and partnerships with local organizations, the campaign seeks to educate families and empower girls to pursue their academic aspirations.
Therefore, As President of OAFLAD, First Lady Bio will play a crucial role in advancing the organization’s mission and promoting sustainable development across Africa.
ABJ/APA