By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
On August 12, 2024, Mrs. Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, announced the official launch of the “We Are Equal” campaign in Angola, in collaboration with Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, the First Lady of the Republic of Angola. This initiative marks a significant milestone for African First Ladies as they come together to address the pervasive gender disparities that exist across various sectors within their societies.
The “We Are Equal” campaign is not merely a symbolic gesture, but rather a concerted effort to rectify the longstanding inequalities that have plagued the continent. Through this joint initiative, the First Ladies of Sierra Leone and Angola are calling upon governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to collectively join forces in the fight against gender inequality.
In her remarks, Mrs. Fatima Bio emphasized the urgent need to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate these disparities, stating, “It is imperative that we work together to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate these disparities. At OAFLAD, we firmly believe that We Are Equal, and it is through unity and collaboration that we can achieve lasting change.”
The launch of the “We Are Equal” campaign by the First Ladies of Sierra Leone and Angola is a significant step forward in the pursuit of gender equality across Africa. By leveraging their influential positions, they are using their platforms to drive meaningful change and inspire a collective movement towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
This initiative is particularly timely as the continent continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated existing gender-based inequalities. The “We Are Equal” campaign aims to address these pressing issues and pave the way for a more just and prosperous Africa, where women and men are truly equal in all aspects of life.
As the First Ladies of Sierra Leone and Angola lead this charge, they are sending a powerful message to the world that African women are ready to take on the mantle of leadership and drive transformative change. With their unwavering commitment and the support of their respective governments and communities, the “We Are Equal” campaign has the potential to become a game-changer in the pursuit of gender equality across the continent.
