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The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a powerful address today at the 5th Observance of the United Nations International Day to Protect Education from Attack, held in Doha, Qatar.
Speaking to an audience that included global leaders and fellow first ladies, the First Lady underscored the devastating toll that armed conflict takes on education systems worldwide.
Drawing from Sierra Leone’s own experience during its brutal 11-year civil war, she highlighted the widespread destruction of schools, the displacement of students and teachers, and the severe disruption of education.
“Conflict does not just shatter buildings; it destroys futures,” she said, emphasizing that the impact extends far beyond the immediate violence, perpetuating cycles of poverty and violence.
Bio called for a unified global response to safeguard the right to education, urging men to play a more active role in the conversation. “Most violence against educational institutions is perpetrated by men, yet they often remain silent. It is time for men to step up and advocate for change,” she stated.
She further stressed the importance of breaking the silence around attacks on education, encouraging people worldwide to report abuses and injustices. “If you see something, say something. Silence allows these crimes to continue unchecked,” she added.
The event, aimed at raising awareness of the critical need to protect education in conflict zones, brought together high-profile figures to discuss the ongoing challenges and explore collective solutions.
