In the latest development, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio was awarded the AEMA Black Prize 2025, recognizing her exceptional contributions to humanity and her tireless work empowering women and girls globally. This accolade followed her participation in the African Economic Global Convergence (AEG) Summit, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Among her key advocacy efforts is her role in the passage of Sierra Leone’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024 (Act 5 of 2024), which was assented to on 1 July 2024 and came into force on 14 December 2024. The law makes it illegal to marry anyone under 18 years old in Sierra Leone and includes strong penalties for offenders, protection for victims, and mechanisms to ensure enforcement. 

She also marked November 18 as the International Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to global child protection standards and women’s human rights.

First Lady Bio expressed gratitude to God Almighty, her husband President Julius Maada Bio, and the many women and girls whose resilience and courage inspire her advocacy. She dedicated the award to their continued empowerment and progress, emphasizing that justice, equality, and opportunity are non-negotiable for any society that wishes to flourish.