Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), delivered a heartfelt goodwill message at the 6th High-Level Forum of Women Leaders held at the Kiriri Palace Conference Centre in Bujumbura, Burundi, on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The event, themed “Our Collective Responsibility,” brought together First Ladies, government officials, diplomats, development partners, and young women leaders from across the continent.
In her remarks, the First Lady emphasized the vital role women play in driving Africa’s political, social, and economic progress. She noted that supporting women is not only the right thing to do but also a critical step toward building stronger communities and more stable nations. She reminded attendees that when women succeed, entire nations benefit.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Dr. Bio shared how encounters with young girls affected by early marriage, rape, and abuse strengthened her resolve to defend their rights. She highlighted her Hands Off Our Girls campaign, describing it as a national movement that has helped bring about legal reforms, mobilize communities, and place the protection of girls at the center of Sierra Leone’s development efforts.
The First Lady reaffirmed OAFLAD’s commitment to promoting maternal health, preventing HIV, supporting girls’ education, and empowering women economically. She urged African leaders to invest more in areas that directly affect women and girls, such as education, healthcare, and equal participation in leadership. “Governance without women,” she said, “is like a bird trying to fly with one wing.”
She concluded her message with a call for unity and shared responsibility. Addressing women across Africa including students, mothers, professionals, and leaders she encouraged them to embrace their power and their role in shaping the continent’s future.