First Lady of Sierra Leone Champions Education and Advocacy at Global Leadership Event
On July 10, 2024, Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, embarked on a significant journey of learning and advocacy at the 2024 Global First Ladies Academy in New York City. This event, hosted by the Ford Foundation, marked the beginning of a three-day Certified Executive Leadership Training in Health and Development. The training aims to equip First Ladies with essential tools and knowledge to enhance their roles and foster international collaboration.
During the opening session, the First Lady expressed her dedication to education and lifelong learning. She emphasized the importance of knowledge, stating, “Knowledge is power, and with power comes responsibility.” Her commitment to education spans both national and global platforms, reflecting her belief in its transformative potential.
The training program’s objective is to enable First Ladies to collaborate effectively across continents and deepen their understanding of significant global issues in an ever-changing geopolitical, economic, environmental, social, and technological landscape. The First Lady’s participation in this program underscores her dedication to these ideals.
As a passionate advocate for women’s and children’s issues, both in Sierra Leone and globally, the First Lady found these sessions an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the core principles guiding her role. She is committed to reinforcing the importance of access to education, healthcare, and economic independence for Sierra Leone’s youth.
During an interactive session, the First Lady shared insights into her flagship initiative, the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign. She discussed the vision and inspiration behind its inception and highlighted its significant impact on the nation. Additionally, she briefly mentioned the newly enacted Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024, which outlaws child marriage in Sierra Leone.
The First Lady looks forward to completing this rigorous academic program alongside her fellow First Ladies, as they work together towards building a sustainable global community.