Post a comment 
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, highlighted the urgent need for transformative policies and targeted investments to uplift marginalized groups, especially women and youth, during her keynote address at a prestigious Roundtable hosted by Plan International and the Africa Trade Desk in Toronto, Canada.
Addressing a global audience of leaders, development partners, and changemakers, she emphasized that sustainable development and inclusive economic growth cannot be achieved if women and young people are left behind.
Drawing from her initiatives such as the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, Dr. Bio stressed that empowerment, education, and protection are fundamental pillars for national and continental progress.
“Our progress is incomplete if women and young people are not given platforms to voice their needs, unlock their potential, and access opportunities equally,” she stated.
The event focused on strategies aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality and decent work.
Discussions centered on scaling youth-led enterprises, increasing women’s participation in cross-border trade, strengthening public-private partnerships, and expanding digital and financial inclusion.
The First Lady called for continued multi-sector collaboration— involving governments, communities, and the private sector—to build inclusive ecosystems where every woman and youth can thrive and contribute meaningfully to global trade and sustainable development.
