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Sierra Leone & Türkiye Deepen Ties in New Diplomatic Meeting
Ambassador Yusuf Burak Rende of the Republic of Türkiye recently met with officials in Sierra Leone, accompanied by his team. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with key discussions centered around women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and other development priorities.
Representatives from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect, collaboration, and shared progress. Among the topics were potential partnerships in educational exchange programs, capacity building for women’s initiatives, healthcare development, and possibly infrastructure or technical cooperation.
This diplomatic engagement fits into a broader pattern: since establishing embassies in one another’s capitals (Türkiye’s in Freetown in 2018, Sierra Leone’s Ankara mission more recently) the two countries have been gradually increasing cooperation in trade, scholarships, development assistance, and institutional collaboration.
As both sides express optimism, stakeholders expect that follow-up actions will include memoranda of understanding, resource allocation, and program initiation in the mentioned sectors.
📌 Source Credit: 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.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Courts Investors at the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue
Iowa, United States, Thursday, 31 October 2024 – President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone engaged business leaders, innovators, agricultural entrepreneurs, and international organizations at the 2024 World Food Prize Foundation’s Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. This year’s theme, “Bold Measures to Feed Africa,” set the stage for an inspiring conversation on advancing food security in Africa.
Moderated by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, the session spotlighted President Bio’s Feed Salone Agenda. President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in tackling food security challenges and presented numerous investment opportunities within the country’s agriculture sector.
Explaining the Feed Salone Agenda, President Bio stressed its focus on addressing food insecurity, creating job opportunities for young people, and driving economic growth. He acknowledged climate change as a pressing challenge and emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural methods to adapt and sustain food production.
President Bio assured attendees of his administration’s commitment to building an investment-friendly environment in agriculture through supportive policies, infrastructure, and various incentives. “I am here to share Sierra Leone’s vision and welcome partnerships with reputable investors,” he stated.
Additionally, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to empowering women and youth, discussing specialized financing, incentives, and policies aimed at engaging them in agriculture as part of a broader human capital development strategy. He highlighted the essential role of education in his approach to sustainable development.
As he looked to the future, President Bio expressed his hope to be remembered as a “human capitalist” leader by the end of his second term, underscoring his dedication to fostering human development.
In a subsequent press conference, President Bio joined President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Dr. Adesina. Together, they underscored the importance of policies, technological advancements, and strong political will to advance agricultural progress and food security across Africa.
For Additional Information:
State House Media and Communications Unit
info@statehouse.gov.sl.
How First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is Transforming Lives: The Inspiring Journey of Women and Youth Empowerment in Sierra Leone!
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio: A Champion for Women and Youth Empowerment in Sierra Leone
Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 2024
In a series of impactful events this October, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has been actively championing women’s rights and youth empowerment across Sierra Leone. Her dedication to improving the lives of women and children in the country has been evident through her involvement in various initiatives aimed at fostering education, health, and economic opportunities.
One of the highlights of her recent activities was her participation in the Black History Month celebration in Milton Keynes, London, where she served as the Special Guest of Honour. The event, centered on *”Reclaiming Narratives,”* was a platform to launch the book *”Twenty-One African Queens Every Young Girl Should Know About,”* organized by World Media Initiatives CIC. First Lady Bio’s presence underscored her commitment to celebrating African heritage and empowering young girls by highlighting the achievements of African women.
During her keynote address, she passionately spoke about the importance of reclaiming African narratives, particularly in celebrating the roles of women throughout history. “Celebrating our history is not just about honoring the past but about reclaiming our narratives for the future,” she stated, inspiring attendees to recognize the strength and resilience of their heritage. Her remarks emphasized the need for events like these to empower the younger generation, showcasing the influential figures that should serve as role models.
Back in Sierra Leone, First Lady Bio continued her advocacy for education by visiting local schools to promote her *”Educate a Girl, Change the World”* initiative. She met with students and teachers, encouraging them to prioritize education as a means to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams. Her hands-on approach, coupled with her heartfelt interactions, resonated deeply with the young people, motivating them to aspire for greatness.
In addition to her educational initiatives, the First Lady has been a vocal advocate for health and wellness, particularly focusing on maternal and child health. She has collaborated with various NGOs to improve healthcare access in rural communities, ensuring that women receive the necessary support during pregnancy and childbirth. Her efforts to raise awareness about health issues have garnered significant attention, highlighting the importance of women’s health in national development.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s multifaceted approach to leadership—rooted in empowerment, education, and health—has positioned her as a pivotal figure in Sierra Leone’s ongoing development. Her commitment to uplifting women and youth not only sets a powerful example but also encourages a collective effort toward a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans. As she continues to champion these causes, her influence and dedication remain a beacon of hope for many across the nation.
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