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The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has described the reception she received in Kailahun as deeply moving, saying it reflected strong public support for her efforts to protect and empower women and girls across the country.
Speaking after her arrival in the district, Dr. Bio said she was “deeply honored to receive an overwhelming welcome in Kailahun this afternoon.” She noted that the large turnout, particularly by women, demonstrated unity and shared commitment to social change.
According to the First Lady, the show of support highlighted “the power of women uplifting women,” which she said continues to make a meaningful impact on society.
She expressed satisfaction at seeing women from different backgrounds come together, supported by men she referred to as “he4she allies,” to stand behind initiatives she has championed at the national level.
Dr. Bio said these initiatives include efforts to combat period poverty, criminalize early child marriage, promote menstrual hygiene, and improve healthcare infrastructure for women and girls. She emphasized that these programs are aimed at addressing long-standing challenges affecting vulnerable groups across Sierra Leone.
She also extended appreciation to local leaders and partners who participated in the engagement, thanking women’s groups, paramount chiefs, and other stakeholders for their support. Their presence, she said, reinforced the importance of collective action in advancing gender-focused development.
The First Lady concluded by calling for continued unity, stating that building a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender, requires sustained cooperation and shared responsibility.
