By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Honorary First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a compelling address on November 18, 2023, emphasizing the crucial and immediate need for the protection of women and girls in Sierra Leone amidst the looming threat of instability.
Dr. Fatima began by acknowledging the remarkable progress Sierra Leone has achieved in safeguarding the rights of women and girls in recent years. She credited her husband’s leadership for spearheading initiatives that have positioned Sierra Leone as a global advocate for women and girls, particularly in areas such as girls’ education and women in leadership roles.
In her role as First Lady, Dr. Fatima has actively championed the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, and she proudly highlighted her leadership in a recent United Nations resolution addressing the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. She encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to take pride in these accomplishments and to stand united against any destabilizing forces that could jeopardize the hard-won advancements in empowering women and girls across the country.
Expressing concern about the vulnerability of several nations, including Sierra Leone, to instability due to current regional and global trends, Dr. Fatima emphasized the disproportionate impact that conflicts and unrest have on women and girls. She painted a vivid picture of the sufferings they endure, including rape, torture, and being used as human shields, drawing on the painful memories of Sierra Leone’s brutal war that inflicted extreme poverty and lasting emotional trauma on its citizens, particularly women and children.
Dr. Fatima underscored the alarming increase in the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected countries, as reported by UN Women in 2022. This 50 percent rise since 2017 poses significant challenges to nations striving to protect the rights of women and girls. She urged the collective responsibility of rewriting Sierra Leone’s history, emphasizing the need to build prosperity on stable grounds.
Despite global challenges, Dr. Fatima commended the government, under her husband’s leadership, for prioritizing critical development agendas such as food security, climate change, and women’s empowerment. However, she cautioned that these efforts must be grounded in stability. Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s progress, she expressed satisfaction with the improved access to education for young girls, increased participation of women in governance, and a notable reduction in gender-based violence.
In conclusion, Dr. Fatima asserted that prioritizing peace and stability is paramount to protecting the rights and future of Sierra Leone’s women and girls. While celebrating the nation’s strides, she urged everyone not to falter in their commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leone, the only place they proudly call home.