By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (snr)
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, joined fellow First Ladies from Angola and Kenya, the Second Lady of Nigeria, and the First Gentleman of Namibia at a high-level networking session hosted by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
The session aimed to strengthen collaboration between AUDA-NEPAD and the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in advancing the goals of African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s strategic blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse.
In her remarks, First Lady Bio expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in discussions focused on promoting women’s empowerment and youth development. “Our partnership is both timely and necessary,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of collective action in driving economic empowerment through creative industries, sports, and innovation.
Drawing from her personal experiences and advocacy work, she highlighted the transformative impact of access to education, reproductive health services, and quality maternal healthcare on the lives of young girls. She shared compelling stories of resilience and personal transformation, underscoring the urgent need to remove barriers that prevent women and girls from achieving their full potential.
“I have seen how access to these essential services can redirect the life of a young girl and open doors to opportunities that were previously unimaginable,” she remarked.
Discussions during the session focused on strategies to strengthen local industries and nurture youth talent key factors in promoting dignity, economic opportunity, and sustainable development across Africa. A strong advocate for women’s and girls’ empowerment, First Lady Bio stressed that investing in their potential yields long-term benefits for African societies.
“Together, we can shape an inclusive and resilient Africa that fully unlocks the potential of its women and young people,” she affirmed.
The networking session also provided a valuable platform to reinforce partnerships among First Ladies and government representatives, encouraging coordinated approaches to shared challenges in health, education, and economic development. By aligning their efforts with AUDA-NEPAD, participants aim to ensure that the objectives of Agenda 2063 are achieved through practical, targeted initiatives tailored to the specific needs of their communities.
The event concluded on a note of optimism and shared purpose. The collective commitment demonstrated by these leaders signals strong determination to build an Africa where women and youth thrive, contributing meaningfully to the continent’s sustainable development goals.
In summary, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s participation in the AUDA-NEPAD networking session underscores her dedication to advancing the vision of Agenda 2063 and highlights the importance of collaboration among African leaders in promoting gender equality and youth empowerment across the continent.