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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.
Sierra Leone Secures Additional 50,000 Mpox Vaccines to Bolster Outbreak Response
In a significant move to strengthen its fight against mpox (formerly monkeypox), Sierra Leone has received 50,000 more doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, thanks to support from international health partners. This brings the country’s total vaccine stock to over 111,000 doses, following an earlier supply of 61,300 doses received in February.
The newly arrived vaccines will support targeted immunization efforts, focusing on frontline healthcare workers, vulnerable populations, and communities with active outbreaks. Health officials emphasized that the vaccines are vital for curbing transmission, especially in high-risk areas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working hand-in-hand with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation to oversee vaccine distribution, disease surveillance, contact tracing, and public education campaigns.
Mpox, a viral illness characterized by flu-like symptoms and a rash, remains a public health concern due to its potential for rapid spread. This latest vaccine shipment not only strengthens the country’s preparedness but also represents a renewed commitment to protecting public health and saving lives.
Source: Ayv News
SPECIAL MOVIE AWARDS (SMA) TO PRESENT TROPHIES TO 2025 WINNERS IN FREETOWN CEREMONY
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Special Movie Awards (SMA) 2025 organizing committee, in collaboration with AYV Media Empire, is proud to announce the official presentation of awards to this year’s winners, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The ceremony will be held at the AYV Headquarters, Wesley Street, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
This formal gathering will bring together celebrated filmmakers, actors, producers, and key stakeholders in the African film industry to personally receive their accolades. The Special Movie Awards recognize excellence in film and celebrate the powerful stories shaping the African narrative.
Honorees and Winning Productions:
|
S/N |
PRODUCTION COMPANY |
MOVIE TITLE |
COUNTRY |
CATEGORIES |
|
1. |
Basic Movies Production / Dora’s Picture |
Myth of the Gods
|
Best Costumier |
Abass Kabia
|
|
2. |
Basic Movies Production / Dora’s Picture |
Myth of the Gods
|
Best Visual Effects |
Alie B. Sesay (Basic) |
|
3. |
Basic Movies Production / Dora’s Picture |
Myth of the Gods
|
Best Indigenous Film |
Augusta Dora Tucker |
|
4. |
African Homes Entertainment
|
Never Enough |
Best Regional Film
|
Emmanuel V Moriba |
|
5. |
African Homes Entertainment
|
Never Enough |
Best Supporting Male Actor |
CHRIS COOKSON (FYNFACE)
|
|
6. |
Sammico Planet Movies |
Insurmountable |
Best Director |
General Bah
|
|
7. |
Sammico Planet Movies |
Insurmountable |
Best Editor |
General Bah
|
|
8. |
Sammico Planet Movies |
Insurmountable |
Best Feature Film
|
General Bah |
|
9. |
Sammico Planet Movies |
Insurmountable |
Best Leading Male Actor |
Marklaw Penant Bangura |
|
10. |
Sammico Planet Movies |
Insurmountable |
Best Leading Female Actor |
Isata Faith Bangura
|
|
11. |
Sammico Planet Movies |
Insurmountable |
Best Supporting Female Actor |
Gladys Conteh
|
Other Awards:
SMA – Best Diaspora Actor- Sydney Franky Boyle Feury
This presentation ceremony will serve not only as a moment of recognition but also as a spotlight on Sierra Leone’s immense contribution to African cinema.
The public, members of the media, and industry stakeholders are invited to attend and show support for the country’s vibrant film community.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Email: info@afrinitypro.com
Website: www.afrinitypro.com
Contact: +2347064547500
F.M.B Joins Global First Ladies for High-Level Dinner on Equality and Change
Last night, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, F.M.B, graced a prestigious High-Level Dinner hosted by Madam Sarah Brown, Chair of Theirworld, and Dr. Cora Neumann, Founder of the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA). The exclusive gathering took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Global First Partners Academy.
Describing the evening as one marked by “class, excellence, and purpose,” F.M.B shared her heartfelt reflections on the unity and strength forged among the world’s most influential women leaders. The event served as a platform for sharing personal journeys and reaffirming their collective commitment to driving global change.
“I remain steadfast in my mission to advance equality for women and children around the world,” the First Lady stated, reiterating her dedication to championing the rights of the marginalized.
As the Academy continues, so does the vital work of these global changemakers—driven by hope, strength, and unity.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady Joins Global Conversation on Transformational Leadership
“We chose Impacting Humanity Over Changing Curtains” — These were the powerful words shared by the First Lady of Sierra Leone as she took part in Day One of the First Partners Global Academy held at the prestigious Ford Foundation on July 8, 2025.
The event, organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA), brought together First Ladies and First Partners from around the world to engage in high-level discourse aimed at shaping national and global development through strategic leadership. GFLA, known for its mission to empower First Partners with tools, training, and strategic insight, is providing a transformational platform for changemakers to learn and lead with purpose.
The First Lady described the opening day as both enlightening and inspiring, as discussions focused on purposeful partnerships, leadership impact, and the evolving role of First Partners in driving positive change in their countries and communities.
As the sessions continue, the First Lady expressed optimism about deepening collaborations with fellow global leaders and reaffirmed her commitment to impactful service for the people of Sierra Leone and beyond.
Afrinity TV will continue to follow this significant journey as Sierra Leone’s First Lady represents the nation on the global stage of transformational leadership.
SMA 2025: Full List of Winners and Honorees Announced
The Special Movie Awards (SMA) 2025 took place with great excitement, honoring remarkable talent and contributions in African cinema. This year’s event celebrated not only outstanding film projects but also individual excellence across acting, directing, and behind-the-scenes artistry.
The biggest winner of the night was Insurmountable, which took home:
Best Director – General Bah
Best Feature Film
Best Leading Male Actor – Marklaw Penant Bangura
Best Leading Female Actor – Isata Faith Bangura
Best Editor – General Bah
Best Supporting Female Actor – Gladys Conteh
Coup the Grace won Best Picture and Best Short Film, while Myth of the Gods earned recognition for Best Costumier, Best Indigenous Film, and Best Visual Effects.
Other winners included:
1.Best Documentary – Treasure Woman
2.Best Hair/Makeup Artist – Seven Virgins
3.Best Regional Film – Never Enough
4.Best Supporting Male Actor – Fynface (Never Enough)
5.Best Sound – Heritage (The Ebrimas)
In addition to the competitive awards, SMA 2025 also honored several industry veterans, filmmakers, and institutions for their exceptional contributions:
SMA Veteran Filmmakers Awards 2025
1.Kensteve Anuka
2.Franklin Chika Adim
3.Sheikh Tijan Sonko
4.Akenaton Topper Loborde
5.Abdoulie Samba
6. Saul Jagne
7.Bittaye Mbye
8. Alioune Seck
9.Cornelius Gomez
10.Haddy Nyang
11.Muhammed Nyang
12.Fatima Susan Joh
12.Mansata Marena
SMA Filmmakers & Actors Awards 2025
1.Mariama Colley
2.Charmaine Bangura Jawara
3.Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu
4.Bubacarr Zaidi Jallow
5.Omar Leigh
6.Pa Abdou Waggeh
7.Mariama Jammeh
8.Chris Stephens
9.Kehinde Omotowa
10.Bankole Browne
11.Alex Manneh
12.Hassan Conteh
13.Abdul Karim Kekura
14.Linda I. Odogwu
15.Sandra Luseni-Palmer
16.Kayode John Adeleke
17.Mbye Bittaye
18.Roland Senghore
19.Alhagie Manka
20.Baboucarr Manka
21.Monica Davies
22.Bintou S. Jammeh
23.Abdoulie Khan
24.Mam Demba Ceesay
25.Anna Marie Jabang
26.Chuku ND
SMA – Best Diaspora Actor
1. Sydney Franky Boyle Feury
Postmortem Awards
1.Orukpe Chris Adams (Chrisblacknation)
2.Ebou Waggeh
Special Awards
1.H.E. President Adama Barrow – President of the Republic of The Gambia
2.Africell GSM Company
3.West African Insurance Institute (WAII)
4.Discount Centre Fajara
Other Recognitions
1.WAX Media
2.Nigerians in the Diaspora
3.Glamour Ladys
4.Sierra Leone Nationals Union (SLeNU)
5.State of Mic
The SMA 2025 was a true celebration of culture, creativity, and the continued rise of African storytelling through film.
🎬 Film Spotlight – SMA 2025
Title: GET INVOLVED – The Documentary
Country: The Gambia
Production Company: Ousman-Koro-Ceesay Foundation
How far can compassion go?
GET INVOLVED is a powerful social documentary spotlighting community efforts and child advocacy in The Gambia. A wake-up call for action and care.
📍 A feature at SMA 2025 – Postponed. New date to be shared soon.
Film Spotlight – SMA 2025
Coming to SMA 2025, June 21st.
D5 Creation