By: Mohamed Jalloh
Her excellency Fatima Bio the first lady of the republic of Sierra Leone has been received by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican alongside selected children from around the World, adult survivors of Child Abuse and some Sierra Leone diplomats and distinguished citizens.
While in the Vatican holy catholic city First Lady Fatima Bio was honored for a project she started in Sierra Leone – the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, in which she exercised steadfastness in promoting burning women issues, first on the African continent, and later on the world stage.
The first Lady of Sierra Leone was further respected by pope Francis for becoming part of the history making for women by putting in so much effort that November 18th every year has been recognized as a date to be celebrated for the prevention, and healing from child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence by the United Nations during the 77th General Assembly.
“One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey to get the UN Resolution on November 18, is the fact that as a Muslim Woman, I was able to get all the major religions to support us in the achievement. This is more precious and meaningful because it came from victims and survivors around the globe.
For the global collaborative efforts and the VATICAN I can only say thank you for honoring me for a work I enjoy doing”, the first lady stated.
The First Lady of Sierra Leone Dr. Fatima Bio joined other recipients of the Global Collaborative Award in the rank of Professor Jennifer Worthan of Harvard University, Marci A. Hamilton -Founder and CEO of USA -Child, Catherine Russell – Executive Director of UNICEF, Taylor Perry, a Hollywood Actor, and other top advocates for the First World Day for Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio is the first First Lady in the history of the formation of the United Nations to have presented a Resolution at the UN General Assembly that has been adopted with consensus from 118 countries. She has made African First Ladies proud, bringing to focus the role of women in the modern African society.