By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
At the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has on Tuesday 19th September 2023 been appointed as a UNAIDS Champion in recognition of her tremendous work, especially in girls and young women in Sierra Leone.
“This is to certify that Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone is appointed as a UNAIDS Champion for the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and young women,” those were the words in the certificate presented to First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio in the presence of her husband, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The Executive Director of Joints United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), who also serves as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, lauded the First Lady for her remarkable contributions, which include advocacy for legal reforms and the construction of the impressive 34 military hospital complex, among other noteworthy initiatives.
President Julius Maada Bio also conveyed his profound pride and support for his wife’s appointment. He commended her relentless efforts in championing women’s rights and reiterated his administration’s dedication to achieving gender equality and inclusive development in Sierra Leone.
Upon accepting the appointment, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations and reaffirmed her commitment to the task at hand. She emphasized the need for collective action and urged all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to join forces in creating sustainable solutions that foster the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and young women.
Islamic Relief and other partners at the assembly congratulated and lend their voices of support to First Lady Maadam Fatima Bio. A representative of the Islamic Relief appreciated the good work the Sierra Leone First Lady had been doing and expressed the need to come together, prevent gender based violence and protect the children.
It was understood by this medium that as a UNAIDS Champion for the Empowerment and Engagement of Adolescent Girls and Young Women, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was set to assume a crucial role in driving positive change and championing the rights, well-being, and opportunities for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society. Her appointment had signified global recognition of her tireless work in creating a better future for Sierra Leone’s young girls and women.
It is believed that the primary focus of Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s new role would be to advocate for the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and young women, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support. She would work in collaboration with UNAIDS and its partners to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and promote policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of this vulnerable demographic.
