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The First Lady of Sierra Leone and president of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has launched a new campaign aimed at strengthening the resilience of women and girls impacted by climate change and conflict.
The announcement was made in a speech commemorating International Youth Day, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Fatima Bio called for urgent action, stating, “It is time to step into bigger and better possibilities.” She outlined the major role of young people in driving change, asserting that they are not just the future but are actively leading efforts to address pressing issues today.
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, Fatima Bio noted that women and girls often bear the greatest burden of displacement and insecurity.
“This campaign is more than just words; it’s a call for real action,” she said, urging governments, communities, and partners to unite in investing in resilience and formulating policies that protect and empower vulnerable populations.
The campaign will be officially launched on September 23, 2025, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Fatima Bio invited all stakeholders including governments, civil society, the private sector, and youth to participate in the initiative.
“Together, we can make sure resilience is a right everyone has,” she stated. “Together, we can put women and girls front and center in Africa’s fight against climate change and conflict. The time to act is now. Join me, lead with me, let’s get started.”
The campaign notably aims to mobilize resources and support to empower women and girls across Africa, equipping them to confront the challenges posed by climate change and ongoing conflicts.
