Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, showcased extraordinary leadership and commitment during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, where she attended 13 key events championing women, children, education, health, and peace.
As President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and Deputy Chair of Zero Waste, Mrs. Bio was at the forefront of several international engagements, representing both Sierra Leone and Africa with grace and purpose.
Speaking at the SDG4 High-Level Reception and Dinner hosted by Sarah Brown at 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to children’s rights and access to quality education and healthcare. “This event underscores our continued dedication as world leaders to keep fighting for the rights of our children in order to grant them universal access to quality primary healthcare, preschool education, and unique family support,” she said.
In her capacity as OAFLAD President, Mrs. Bio also led the launch of the BuildingResilience for Women and Girls Campaign, focusing on empowering women and girls facing climate change and conflict challenges. “Together, we are driving meaningful change and promoting a safer, more equitable future,” she stated.
At the handing-over ceremony of the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America (ALMA), held at Panama’s Mission in New York, Mrs. Bio congratulated the new President, Mrs. Lucrecia Peinado of Guatemala, emphasizing the importance of continuity and cooperation in advancing global causes.
One of the highlights of her participation was hosting a high-level side event themed “Peace and Security Through Her Eyes: Centering Women and Children in Global Peace, Stability, and Sustainable Development.” The event, held in collaboration with the National Basketball Association (NBA), drew global attention. Attended by African First Ladies, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, it underscored the central role of women and children in achieving global peace.
“I truly believe that without peace and security, the world cannot become a safe, fair, or prosperous place for women and girls,” Mrs. Bio said, appreciating her husband’s continuous advocacy for women’s rights.
She also graced a reception organized by Africell at Times Square Garden, celebrating African culture and unity, and later joined her husband at an engagement spotlighting the plight of women affected by conflict-related sexual violence.
Her advocacy for women’s health was again evident as she called attention to uterine health challenges, stating that “Uterine health is not just a medical issue; it is a matter of human rights and national development.”
Mrs. Bio was also honored with the Prestige and Visionary Leadership Award at the Global Power Women Network Forum in New York, recognizing her work as Sierra Leone’s First Lady and OAFLAD President.
She joined Sierra Leoneans at the SLPP Washington DC Metro Chapter and the diaspora leaders’ engagement, emphasizing national unity and inclusive development. She later paid tribute to the late Dr. Jane Goodall, describing her as “a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of compassion.”
Rounding off her UNGA engagements, Mrs. Bio celebrated African culture with the North America Madingo Women Association (NAMWA), commending their efforts to preserve Sierra Leone’s traditions in the diaspora.
Her multiple engagements during the UNGA80 reflected her multifaceted commitment to advancing the rights of women and children, promoting education, health, peace, and preserving African heritage — truly embodying the spirit of leadership and global impact.
