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Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), delivered a powerful and inspiring address this afternoon at the 6th Edition of the High-Level Forum of Women Leaders in Burundi.
Cantered on the theme “Attentive Care from Childhood to Puberty for Harmonious Development,” the event convened leading voices committed to improving the lives of women and girls across Africa.
In her speech, the First Lady emphasized that the focus on attentive care during a girl’s formative years is not only timely but directly aligned with her renowned Hands Off Our Girls campaign. She highlighted that supporting girls through childhood and puberty lays the foundation for their safety, empowerment, and future success. “This forum does more than celebrate women’s leadership,” she noted. “It redefines leadership for Africa, because no nation can prosper without its women.”
Speaking as OAFLAD President, Madam Fatima Maada Bio reflected on the transformative power of unity among women leaders. She affirmed that their collective strength is not built on convenience but on commitment to the millions of girls who depend on them.
Her message to African girls was clear and uplifting: “Successful puberty, reassuring future.” A girl who grows safely, she stated, becomes a woman who stands boldly.
In a gracious moment, the First Lady thanked the President of Burundi for supporting the work of the Burundian First Lady, praising him for championing women’s advancement rather than feeling threatened by it. She commended his recognition that “being a woman is not a crime,” echoing the broader advocacy for gender equality across the continent.
Describing herself proudly as a “phenomenal woman,” Madam Fatima Maada Bio urged women leaders to remain united and unapologetically committed to the empowerment of every African girl. She called for collaboration, innovation, and mutual upliftment values she believes must guide leadership on the continent. “Let us leave this forum committed to actions that will leave footprints of progress across Africa,” she appealed.
Closing With a Blessing; The First Lady concluded her address with a heartfelt blessing for all participants and for the African continent: “May God bless you all, and may God bless our continent, Africa.”
Her remarks reinforced her standing as a leading advocate for women and girls, and her speech in Burundi further solidified her role as a continental voice for transformational leadership, dignity, and the protection of Africa’s daughters.
