Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, recently held a landmark meeting with Madam Fatmata Nippe Momoh, former First Lady of Sierra Leone.

The engagement focused on addressing challenges faced by former first ladies and exploring ways to amplify their recognition and contributions to national development.

The meeting was a poignant moment, as Madam Momoh shared her personal experiences of marginalization and neglect after her tenure.

Her candid reflections highlighted the systemic challenges faced by spouses of former leaders, sparking a heartfelt response from Madam Bio.

“Your story is a revelation and a call to action. It is imperative that we address these gaps and ensure that women who have served this nation in such roles are not forgotten,” Madam Bio stated.

The discussion emphasized the importance of creating a support system for former first ladies to preserve their dignity and legacy. Madam Bio proposed a bold initiative to establish a network of current and former first ladies across the region.

This coalition aims to advocate for the welfare, security, and recognition of women in similar positions.

As a first step, Madam Bio pledged to host a grand luncheon in February 2025 in Conakry, Guinea, where the coalition would present a unified agenda. This event is expected to bring together influential women leaders to discuss strategies for fostering inclusion and solidarity.

Madam Momoh expressed her gratitude for the First Lady’s compassion and leadership. “This meeting has restored my hope. It’s uplifting to know that our stories matter and that someone is willing to take action,” she said.