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First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Expresses Gratitude to President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló for His Support at the UNGA 80th Session
Sierra Leone’s First Lady and President of OAFLAD, Fatima Maada Bio, has recently expressed her deep appreciation to H.E. President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau for honoring her with his presence at her event during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to the First Lady, President Embaló’s attendance was “not only a great personal honor but also a powerful symbol of support and encouragement.”
She described him as “a big brother and a visionary leader” whose unwavering commitment to uplifting others continues to inspire many. Fatima Maada Bio also praised his firm belief in the power, potential, and leadership of women, emphasizing how his consistent support reinforces the idea that women have a vital role to play in shaping Africa’s future.
“Your continued support sends a strong and inspiring message that women have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our communities and our continent,” she noted.
The First Lady concluded by expressing her deep respect and warmest regards, thanking President Embaló for his time, encouragement, and trust — qualities she said reflect the essence of true leadership and African solidarity.
💐 Quote from the First Lady:
“Thank you once again for your time, your encouragement, and your trust. Your leadership continues to inspire me and so many others.” — Fatima Maada Bio
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Joins NAMWA Cultural Dance Meet in North America
On September 27, 2025, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, joined the North America Madingo Women Association (NAMWA) at their Cultural Dance Meet.
She described the occasion as a deeply moving experience, celebrating vibrant women who continue to preserve and promote Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage in the diaspora.
Her participation was more than a celebration of traditions—it was a reaffirmation of her commitment to cultural diplomacy, community engagement, and women’s empowerment worldwide. She emphasized that when women unite in strength and solidarity, they create lasting impact within their communities and beyond.
The First Lady extended her heartfelt appreciation to NAMWA for their warm welcome and for keeping Sierra Leone’s culture alive through music, dance, and sisterhood.
F.M.B
Sierra Leone’s First Lady Hosts High-Level UNGA Event on Women, Children, Peace, and Security
As First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the First Lady hosted a high-level side event on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event, themed “Peace and Security Through Her Eyes: Centering Women and Children in Global Peace, Stability, and Sustainable Development,” brought together African First Ladies, development partners, global philanthropists, civil society leaders, and other influential advocates dedicated to advancing the protection and empowerment of women and children.
Distinguished guests included H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, both of whom delivered powerful remarks reaffirming their commitment to promoting women’s rights and girls’ empowerment across Africa and beyond.
As President of OAFLAD, the First Lady emphasized that peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable development, stressing that women and children must remain central to every global agenda. She also expressed gratitude to her husband, President Bio, for his leadership in Sierra Leone’s fight against gender-based violence and his efforts to promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
Source: F.M.B
OAFLAD Unveils Call to Action for Women and Girls at Africa Climate Summit
At the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) launched a new Call to Action: “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict.”
Opened by Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Rachel Ruto, the event gathered over 150 participants, partners, and member states. Keynote speakers—including Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah (African Union Commission) and Prof. Senait Fisseha (Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation)—highlighted the urgent need for women-centered climate solutions.
The campaign, unveiled by OAFLAD President H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, calls on governments and partners to:
Integrate gender-responsive adaptation and peacebuilding.
Ensure equitable access to climate finance for women and displaced populations.
Empower women and girls as leaders of resilience.
Partners like UN Women, WHO, IOM, and EGPAF stressed the vulnerabilities of displaced women and girls amid climate and conflict pressures.
🔗 Watch the campaign video: [YouTube Link]
📌 Source: OAFLAD / Africa Climate Summit
The Africa Report Spotlights Fatima Maada Bio as Trailblazer in Leadership and Gender Equity
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
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
First Lady of Sierra Leone Meets UN Women Team
Yesterday, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone welcomed Madam Setcheme Jeronine Mongbo, Head of the UN Women Sierra Leone Office, and her team to her official workplace. The meeting focused on fortifying collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and UN Women to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality initiatives. X (formerly Twitter)
Madam Bio Acknowledges Her OAFLAD Election
During the visit, the First Lady expressed heartfelt appreciation for Madam Mongbo’s warm congratulations on her recent election as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). This leadership position places Madam Bio at the forefront of continent-wide advocacy on issues like maternal health, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment. Sierra Leone State House Sierra LeoneAfrican Union
Shared Vision: Gender Equality and Development
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to expanding impactful initiatives and fostering systemic change. Their cooperation is expected to amplify OAFLAD’s 2025–2030 Strategic Framework, which emphasizes health, education, GBV prevention, and women’s economic empowerment across Africa. Sierra Leone’s collaboration with UN Women under Madam Bio’s stewardship is poised to bring transformative outcomes at both national and regional levels.
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