By: Saidu Jalloh
The Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) has launched a continent-wide campaign aimed at strengthening the resilience of women and girls affected by climate change and conflict, with Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr Fatima Maada Bio, leading the initiative.
The campaign, branded Building Resilience, seeks to protect and empower women and girls whose education, health, safety and economic opportunities are disrupted by armed conflict and climate-related disasters. OAFLAD said the initiative will prioritise ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services for women and girls living in crisis and post-conflict settings.
The campaign is built around four priority pillars: education, health, women’s economic empowerment, and protection from gender-based violence. According to OAFLAD, the programme addresses cross-cutting challenges linked to climate change, peace and security that continue to undermine development gains across Africa.
Launching the campaign in Sierra Leone, Dr Bio called for urgent and coordinated continental action, warning that women and girls bear a disproportionate burden during crises. She noted that climate change, displacement and conflict have weakened protection systems, increasing women’s and girls’ exposure to violence, exploitation and economic exclusion.
“This campaign is about building systems that protect women before crises occur and ensuring that support remains in place during emergencies,” Dr Bio said.
The initiative aligns with key African Union frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy, and the AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy. OAFLAD said its objectives include strengthening community resilience, restoring essential services, rebuilding infrastructure and ensuring women’s meaningful participation in policy-making processes.
President Julius Maada Bio formally launched the OAFLAD 2025-2027 Campaign in Sierra Leone, describing it as both a continental responsibility and a strategic investment in national development. He said women and girls play a critical role in recovery efforts, despite being among those most affected by climate shocks, insecurity and economic hardship.
The President highlighted the campaign’s focus on mobilising investment for resilience, empowering young people, promoting gender-responsive policies and expanding access to essential services, noting that these priorities align with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.
He called on governments, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to collaborate with OAFLAD by building national coalitions, funding programmes and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
The campaign was introduced globally through an online address by the First Lady and formally unveiled during the United Nations General Assembly. OAFLAD said the initiative will now be rolled out across African countries, with First Ladies expected to lead national launches.
OAFLAD has urged governments, institutions, development partners and the public to support the campaign and amplify its message in support of education, health, protection and economic empowerment for women and girls across Africa.