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Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, addressed delegates at the 4th Annual Global First Partners Academy 2026 today, highlighting how advocacy can be translated into national policy through leadership, partnerships, and sustained reform.
Speaking to an audience of First Ladies and Gentlemen from around the world, she shared the journey of Sierra Leone’s Hands Off Our Girls campaign. Her presentation focused on the lessons the initiative offers for advancing national programmes in complex environments.
She outlined how the campaign evolved from advocacy into law and institutional change. Key themes included building broad coalitions, navigating political and social challenges, leveraging the platform of a First Partner, and maintaining an “unwavering commitment to reform.”
“The presentation explored how advocacy can evolve into national policy through strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to reform,” she said.
According to the First Lady, the session was met with strong engagement. “The engaging discussions that followed reaffirmed that while our contexts may differ, our shared commitment to protecting women and children, expanding opportunities for girls, and driving meaningful social change unites us all,” she noted.
In her capacity as President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD, she said she remains committed to sharing Africa’s experiences, learning from peers globally, and strengthening collective leadership.
“Together, we can turn compassion into action, and action into sustainable change,” she added.
The Global First Partners Academy is an executive leadership programme that brings together presidential spouses to advance social, health, and development priorities worldwide.
