First Lady Fatima Bio Calls for Greater Women’s Leadership at Africa Conference in Ghana
Sahid Bangura First Lady of Sierra Leone Dr Fatima Maada Bio has called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making, stressing that their participation is essential to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development across Africa.
She made the call on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, while speaking on women in leadership and fostering peace at the Elevate Africa Conference in Ghana.
Addressing the conference, Bio, who also serves as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), said Africa could not achieve its full potential while women remained excluded from leadership positions and decisions affecting their countries.
She described African women as key contributors to development, peacebuilding and the continent’s future, urging leaders to recognise their contributions and ensure their voices are reflected in national and regional decision-making.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s experience and her advocacy through the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, the First Lady emphasised the need to protect girls, end violence against women, invest in education and create meaningful opportunities for women.
She said building peaceful and prosperous societies requires action at the community level, including in homes and schools, where efforts to protect women and girls and promote equal opportunities can have a lasting impact.
Bio also urged African leaders to translate commitments into practical action by building inclusive institutions, supporting emerging women leaders and ensuring that women participate as equal partners in peacebuilding, governance and national development.
She further stressed that cooperation between women and men is necessary to advance justice, unity and lasting peace across the continent.
The First Lady’s remarks at the conference highlighted the importance of women’s participation in shaping Africa’s development agenda and strengthening efforts to build peaceful and inclusive societies.
