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)