Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), has become one of Africa’s most passionate and influential advocates for women’s rights and child protection. Since assuming the role of First Lady in 2018 alongside her husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, she has used her platform to highlight and address critical issues affecting women and girls across Sierra Leone and the African continent.
Born on November 27, 1980, in Koidu Town, Kono District, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s life story is one of perseverance, vision, and a commitment to creating positive change. She began her education at Ansarul Islamic School and St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School in Freetown, where her passion for learning and community service took root. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the United Kingdom, where she earned degrees in Arts and Journalism.
Before entering public life, Dr. Bio had a successful career in the entertainment industry as an actress, screenwriter, and film producer. She won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 2011 ZAFAA Global Awards, which highlighted her talent and creativity. Her background in the arts gave her a unique voice that combines empathy and passion, qualities that now define her public advocacy.
At the heart of Dr. Bio’s mission is her flagship initiative, “Hands Off Our Girls” a national campaign aimed at combating child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. The campaign has been internationally acclaimed for sparking much-needed conversations about the rights and dignity of young girls.
When Dr. Fatima Maada Bio became First Lady, she turned her attention to one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing challenges the protection of young girls. She launched the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign to address these issues, and it has done more than raise awareness; it has ignited a nationwide movement. Across Sierra Leone, communities have started openly discussing the rights of girls, and traditional leaders have joined efforts to end harmful practices. Through this initiative, Dr. Bio has inspired a cultural shift, urging parents, communities, and institutions to take responsibility for protecting girls from abuse and exploitation.
Her tireless advocacy also played a pivotal role in the passing of Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, which mandates that 30% of leadership positions in both the public and private sectors be held by women. The law also guarantees14 weeks of paid maternity leave, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s pursuit of gender equity.
Dr. Bio’s commitment to women and children extends far beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. As the President of OAFLAD, she collaborates with other African First Ladies to promote better healthcare, education, and empowerment for women and children across the continent. Her leadership within OAFLAD reinforces the powerful message that empowering women is not only a moral responsibility but also a key driver of sustainable development and social progress.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s journey from her early years in Kono to her current leadership role on the global stage is a source of inspiration for countless women and girls. Through her advocacy, she demonstrates that determination, compassion, and education can change lives and shape societies. Her message is clear: when women are given equal opportunities, families and communities thrive.
Today, as First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Bio continues to inspire women, mothers, and young girls across the nation and the continent. Through her work, she is helping to build a future where every girl can grow up safe, educated, and empowered to reach her full potential.
She is not just Sierra Leone’s First Lady, she is a global champion for women and children, a powerful reminder that when women lead, society grows stronger.