Hands Off Our Girls
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First Lady Bio Champions Women’s Empowerment at Sierra Leone-Canada Trade Show in Toronto
Recently, at the Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment & Cultural Show 2025 in Toronto, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio delivered a keynote address under the theme: “Empowering Women for Inclusive Economic Growth: Strategies and Success Stories.” She stressed that women’s economic empowerment is not charity, but justice, strategy, and essential for a strong economy. (facebook.com)
She described Sierra Leone’s bold path under President Julius Maada Bio, citing legal reforms, free quality education, and her signature campaign “Hands Off Our Girls” as transformative steps opening up opportunities and smashing barriers for women and girls. (facebook.com)
The First Lady also shared inspiring examples from Sierra Leonean women entrepreneurs, farmers, health workers, and survivors who are making lasting impacts for their families and communities. She called for deeper Sierra Leone-Canada collaboration, highlighting Canada’s support for gender equality and human rights, to build global solidarity for women’s inclusion and empowerment. (facebook.com)
She urged that investing in women must be central to national development strategies, with inclusive leadership and intentional policies that leave no one behind. Her closing message was one of optimism: the future is within reach—and it will be shaped by empowered, included, unstoppable women. (facebook.com)
Fatima Maada Bio Champions Women and Girls as Catalysts for Sustainable Development
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone and newly elected President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), continues to be a formidable advocate for women’s and girls’ rights across Africa. Her leadership underscores a commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.gavi.org+6Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+6nawmagazine.com+6
At the 29th General Assembly of the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Bio was elected President of OAFLAD, defeating Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria. Her Excellency Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola, was elected Vice President. President Julius Maada Bio lauded his wife’s election as a testament to her unwavering dedication to championing the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Wikipedia+3Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+3Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+3
Dr. Bio’s flagship initiative, the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, launched in 2018, has been instrumental in addressing issues such as sexual violence and child marriage in Sierra Leone. The campaign’s impact was highlighted in a Q&A with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where Dr. Bio emphasized the importance of empowering girls and women to shape Africa’s future. X (formerly Twitter)+6Harvard Chan School of Public Health+6Harvard Public Health Magazine+6
In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Bio has been a vocal proponent for gender equality legislation in Sierra Leone. In January 2023, President Julius Maada Bio signed a landmark bill into law mandating that women constitute 30% of the workforce and government positions. The legislation also includes provisions for 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and ensures equal access to credit and financial services for women. Women found guilty of gender discrimination could face up to five years in prison and fines. Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+3AP News+3Wikipedia+3
Dr. Bio’s election as OAFLAD President marks a significant milestone in her ongoing efforts to empower women and girls across Africa. Her leadership is poised to further amplify the voices of women and girls, turning challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.nawmagazine.com+4Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+4firstlady.gov.sl+4
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