The July 2025 edition of The Africa Report shines a spotlight on Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, recognizing her as a trailblazer redefining African leadership through her relentless drive for gender equity and grassroots transformation.

From her acclaimed campaign Hands Off Our Girls to legislative impact, Dr. Bio has driven forward meaningful change in Sierra Leone and beyond. Her advocacy has contributed to the enactment of the landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022, which mandates at least 30% representation for women across government and institutional roles. Simultaneously, she championed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, setting a firm legal foundation to protect girls’ rights. slmissionun.gov.sl

The report also highlights Dr. Bio’s dynamic leadership across African platforms, particularly her presidency of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). Serving since early 2025, she has used this platform to advocate for climate action, peacebuilding, and human security—key priorities in the continental Sustainable Development Goals drive. sierraleonemonitor.comSierraloaded

Her broader impact extends to healthcare and social development, too. As featured in her UN and humanitarian work, she led renovations at Sierra Leone’s Military Hospital into a Centre of Excellence for SGBV survivors and championed women’s healthcare initiatives including vaccination drives and support for underserved communities. UN-Habitatsierraleonemonitor.com