First Lady Fatima Maada Bio

“Hands Off Our Girls” allow them to go to school and be educated. when a girl is empowered with knowledge they help to impact the world positively.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, with a heavy heart, I attended the Civic Laying-out Ceremony and signed the Book of Condolence in honour of my beloved spiritual mother, Reverend Prophetess Margaret Nabeh Brandon.

Mummy was more than a spiritual leader to me. She was a guiding light, a constant source of prayers, wisdom, love, and encouragement. Her unwavering faith and motherly care shaped my life in ways words can never fully express.

Though my heart grieves her passing, I find comfort in knowing that she lived a life of purpose, touched countless souls, and has gone to be with the Lord.

Rest in perfect peace, Mummy. Your love, your prayers, and your legacy will remain with me forever.

FMB

Freetown, Sierra Leone
24th July 2026

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, I joined my husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, as the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government continued in Sierra Leone.

As we conclude the second and final day of this historic Summit, I am proud that Sierra Leone has hosted our distinguished Heads of State and Government in an atmosphere of unity, solidarity, and shared purpose.

The discussions and decisions reached during this Summit will reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting peace and stability, and advancing sustainable development for the people of West Africa.

May the outcomes of this gathering continue to inspire deeper collaboration and greater prosperity across our region.

🇸🇱🤝🌍

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, I had the honour of standing alongside my dear husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, as we welcomed our distinguished brothers—the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS region—to Sierra Leone for the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

It fills me with immense pride to see our beloved nation host this important regional summit. Welcoming the leaders of West Africa to the Heart of West Africa is a powerful reflection of Sierra Leone’s growing role in advancing regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.

I am especially proud of my husband, President Julius Maada Bio, whose exemplary leadership as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has been defined by an unwavering commitment to regional stability, democratic governance, peace, and shared prosperity. His vision, dedication, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing together the leaders of our region to address the challenges and opportunities that shape our collective future.

My heartfelt congratulations to you JULIUS on this remarkable achievement. Hosting this historic summit is a testament to your leadership and to Sierra Leone’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our region.

I also extend my deepest appreciation to the National Organising Committee, the Government of Sierra Leone, our security services, protocol officers, and every individual who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the successful organisation of this summit by the time it ends tomorrow. Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment have showcased the very best of Sierra Leone.

To all our distinguished Heads of State and their delegations, I warmly welcome you to Sierra Leone. May your deliberations strengthen the bonds of our regional family and produce decisions that will advance peace, security, economic integration, and prosperity for all the people of West Africa.

Welcome to the Heart of West Africa. We are the Lion Mountain.

FMB.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, I had the distinct honour and privilege of welcoming my dear sister, Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, to Sierra Leone as she arrived to participate in the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

It is a great pleasure to receive her in the Heart of West Africa for this significant regional gathering, which underscores our collective commitment to peace, regional integration, sustainable development, and shared prosperity across our sub-region.

Her Excellency has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls, strengthening global partnerships, and championing the Sustainable Development Goals. Her presence in Sierra Leone is a testament to the enduring partnership between the United Nations and our nation, as well as our shared vision for a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.

I look forward to our engagements over the coming days as we continue to deepen collaboration, strengthen regional solidarity, and work together to advance the aspirations of our people and the African continent.

Welcome to Sierra Leone, dear sister.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Alhamdulillah for the opportunity to observe Jumu’ah prayers today at Masjid Ilmo Zikre in Hill Station, Freetown.

May Allah accept our prayers, cleanse our hearts, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with everlasting peace. Ameen.

FMB.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of receiving Brigadier General (Rtd.) Geraldine Janet George, Liberia’s first female Minister of Defense, at my Goderich Office in Freetown. Our discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral ties and cooperation between our two sisterly nations.

As the wife of a retired Brigadier, I have come to appreciate the vital role our armed forces play in safeguarding peace, security, and national stability, as well as the many sacrifices and challenges they endure. This understanding has always inspired me to stand in solidarity with our men and women in uniform.

Seeing a woman at the helm of Liberia’s Ministry of Defense is both inspiring and historic. It is a powerful reminder that women can lead with distinction in every sector, including those traditionally dominated by men. I commend the Government of Liberia for this remarkable milestone, which sets an important example for our sub-region.

As advocates for the empowerment of women and girls, let us continue to break barriers and create opportunities for more women to serve at the highest levels of leadership and decision-making across Africa.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

This morning, I had the pleasure of receiving a cross-section of young schoolgirls, among the many beneficiaries of the Hands Off Our Girls campaign in Sierra Leone. I also welcomed members of the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police, whose vital work focuses on preventing, investigating, and responding to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), domestic violence, child abuse, and child exploitation.

Our meeting, held at my Goderich Office in Freetown, served as an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to ending child marriage and protecting the rights and dignity of every girl child.

The progress we have made is a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, law enforcement, communities, development partners, and young people work together with a shared purpose. Yet, our work is far from over.

I remain steadfast in my commitment to joining forces with all stakeholders to ensure that every girl in Sierra Leone is safe, empowered, and given the opportunity to stay in school, pursue her dreams, and reach her full potential. Together, we will continue to stand against child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, and all forms of abuse that threaten the future of our girls.

Hands Off Our Girls!

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, at the United Nations office in New York, it was an honour to have a warm and sisterly conversation with my dear sister, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Our discussion focused on advancing opportunities for women’s employment and strengthening our collective commitment to ending child marriage globally, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach her full potential.

My dear sister has been a steadfast advocate and valued supporter of my Hands Off Our Girls campaign from its inception. Her unwavering commitment to the rights and empowerment of women and girls continues to inspire our shared vision for a more just and equitable world.

Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to working in partnership to protect the rights of women and girls and to create lasting opportunities that will transform lives for generations to come.

FMB.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

I have been reliably informed that after I publicly accused the All People’s Congress (APC) of being behind the international pro-FGM narrative against my person using so called anti-FGM campaigners and sections of the British press to tarnish my image globally including signing an EU Alert that they are scared of their safety, an effort that ultimately backfired because no one in Sierra Leone can honestly point to a single programme of mine promoting FGM—they have now changed their strategy.

I am informed that they have quietly instructed their networks not to attack me publicly in Sierra Leone, so that the people of Sierra Leone will not perceive them as anti-FGM, believing that such a perception would be politically damaging to their party.

If that is indeed the case, then I have five simple questions for the people of Sierra Leone and the international community:

1. Why has the Parliament of Sierra Leone, the custodian of our nation’s laws, refused to vote in favour of banning FGM?

2. Why have the very people who used the international media to label me a pro-FGM campaigner without producing any evidence, never directed the same level of criticism at members of Parliament who voted against the banning of FGM Bill that was brought before Parliament in 2025?

3. Why has Fatima Maada Bio become the target of an international campaign on FGM when FGM has never been part of my national programme or flagship initiatives?

4. Why was I attacked internationally, yet those same voices have remained silent within Sierra Leone, where our own people can judge the facts for themselves? Who told their network not to attack me in Sierra Leone because it will make me popular and gain more sympathy and followers?

5. Who are the real anti-FGM campaigners? And who are the individuals who publicly condemn FGM while privately engaging with Sowies and Bondo women to allow them raise money from donor partners?

The people of Sierra Leone deserve transparency from everyone involved in this debate. If we can honestly answer these five questions, then I believe we will all have a much clearer understanding of who is genuinely opposed to FGM and who is simply using the issue for political or personal advantage including donor funding support.

I have never hidden from difficult conversations, and I never will. But public debate must be based on facts, consistency, and accountability not selective outrage or politically motivated attacks.

Thank you.

I remain humble in service and accountability to my people.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining my fellow Sierra Leoneans in Edmonton, alongside our Ministers and Honourable Members of Parliament, for a Town Hall meeting organized by the Sierra Leone Association of Alberta.

I was inspired by the honest conversations, constructive ideas, and unwavering love for our country. Our diaspora remains a vital partner in Sierra Leone’s development, and your voices, expertise, and commitment are essential as we continue building a stronger, more inclusive nation.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to the Sierra Leone Association of Alberta for organizing such an important engagement. Together, let us continue working in unity for the progress and prosperity of our beloved Sierra Leone.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Last night, it was an absolute honor to grace the inauguration ceremony of the SLPP Canada Regional Executive. I was deeply moved by the vibrant energy and unyielding loyalty of our diaspora party members and well-wishers. As First Lady and wife to the leader of our great party, I know the strength of our nation relies heavily on the passion of our people at home and abroad. This milestone is a powerful testament to our collective determination to champion SLPP values and push the boundaries of progress for Sierra Leone.

I offer my warmest congratulations to the newly inaugurated executive members leading this vital region. This leadership comes with a profound responsibility to serve with integrity and protect the trust of our partisans. I urge you to prioritize absolute unity, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to our party constitution. Grounding your leadership in these principles ensures our structures remain strong, transparent, and resilient for the future.

As you begin this new chapter, let us remember that our greatest strength lies in solidarity. With the journey of 2028 around the corner, no personal ambition is bigger than our collective mission. The diaspora plays an indispensable role in shaping our national narrative and driving development. Let us remain steadfast, lifting each other up to advance the vision of our party. Together, under our timeless motto, we will build a brighter, more inclusive future.

One People, One Country.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of gathering with the Sierra Leonean community and our SLPP Canada Region family. The warmth of your reception and your enduring patriotism resonate deeply with me. Our conversations serve as a powerful reminder of the incredible strength of our diaspora, whose engagement and contributions remain absolutely vital to the progress and development of our beloved nation.

On this special day, I also join our party faithful in celebrating the birthday of our dedicated SLPP National Women’s Leader. Her steadfast leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to empowering women and strengthening our party inspire us all. I wish her a joyful day filled with continued blessings, and I invite you all to join me in extending your warmest birthday wishes in the comments below.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

I have safely arrived in Canada ahead of a series of important engagements that will further strengthen the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and Canada.

During my visit, I will participate in the Canada–Sierra Leone Trade, Investment, and Cultural Show, where we will explore opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, promote investment, and celebrate the rich culture and immense potential of our beloved Sierra Leone. I will also attend the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Canada Regional Executive Inauguration Ceremony, an important occasion that reflects the dedication and commitment of our diaspora to the continued progress of our nation.

I look forward to engaging with our partners, members of the Sierra Leonean community in Canada, and all stakeholders as we work together to advance meaningful collaboration, strengthen our shared aspirations, and create greater opportunities for our people.

Dr. Fatima Maada Bio
First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone
President, Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD)

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

During this year’s Global First Partners Academy, I had the distinct honour of delivering the official opening remarks, setting the tone for several days of meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and collective action.

As President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), it was a privilege to welcome fellow First Partners, distinguished speakers, development partners, and experts from around the world as we came together with a shared purpose: to strengthen our leadership, deepen our knowledge, and harness the power of our unique platforms to create lasting impact.

In my remarks, I emphasized that while First Partners may not hold elected office, we possess a unique form of influence—one rooted in compassion, trust, and the ability to convene diverse stakeholders around the issues that matter most. I encouraged my colleagues to continue using that influence to champion education, health, gender equality, youth empowerment, and social justice, while leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose.

The Global First Partners Academy continues to serve as an invaluable platform for collaboration, innovation, and capacity building, reminding us that our greatest achievements are realized when we learn from one another, work together across borders, and remain united in our commitment to improving the lives of those we serve.

I am deeply grateful to the organizers, our partners, and every participant whose passion and dedication made this gathering both inspiring and impactful. I leave this Academy with renewed hope, stronger partnerships, and an even greater determination to advance meaningful change across Africa and beyond.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

As we conclude this year’s Global First Partners Alliance program, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the GFLA for creating such a remarkable platform for learning, collaboration, and leadership.

My sincere appreciation goes to all the First Ladies and First Gentlemen whose participation, wisdom, and camaraderie made this experience truly enriching. I also wish to recognize and thank our dedicated technical teams, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the success of every session.

To all our distinguished lecturers and speakers, thank you for generously sharing your knowledge, expertise, and experiences. Your insights have inspired us, challenged our thinking, and strengthened our collective commitment to advancing the well-being of our people through compassionate and impactful leadership.

I leave this program encouraged, better equipped, and even more determined to use the influence entrusted to us to create meaningful and lasting change. Thank you all for an unforgettable experience. Together, we will continue to lead with purpose, partnership, and hope.

FMB.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, I had the privilege of delivering a presentation at the 4th Annual Global First Partners Academy 2026, where I shared the journey of Sierra Leone’s Hands Off Our Girls Campaign and the lessons it offers for advancing national initiatives in complex environments.

My presentation explored how advocacy can evolve into national policy through strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to reform. I reflected on the importance of building coalitions, navigating challenges, leveraging the unique platform of a First Partner, and transforming a campaign into lasting legislative and institutional change.

I am deeply humbled that the presentation was so well received. 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.

As President of OAFLAD, I remain committed to sharing Africa’s experiences, learning from fellow First Partners around the world, and strengthening the collective leadership needed to create lasting impact. Together, we can turn compassion into action, and action into sustainable change.

FMB.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

When First Ladies and First Gentlemen come together, it is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only exercised through elected office but also through service, compassion, and influence.

We are often described as the invisible other half—expected to comfort, inspire, advocate, and sometimes solve challenges that fall outside our formal mandate. Yet, we continue to show up because we understand that true leadership is measured not only by authority, but by impact.

Together, we are proving that soft power is not weak power. It is the power to unite, to influence, to uplift, and to create lasting change for those who need us most.

FMB

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

Today, I had the privilege of joining fellow First Partners from across the world for the opening of the Global First Partners Academy—an important platform that reminds us that true leadership is not always measured by authority, but by influence, compassion, and the ability to inspire change.

As President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), it is incumbent upon me not only to stand in solidarity with my fellow African First Ladies but also to lead by example. Our presence here is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to learning, growing, and strengthening the impact we make in the lives of those we serve.

The discussions on the power of soft leadership reinforce an important truth: our voices, our advocacy, our empathy, and our ability to convene partners are among the most powerful tools we possess. When used with purpose and integrity, soft power becomes a force that transforms policies, changes mindsets, and creates lasting opportunities for women, children, and communities.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers of the Global First Partners Academy and to all the partners whose vision, collaboration, and unwavering support have made this important initiative possible. Together, we are building a global network of leaders committed to using influence not for privilege, but for progress.

The journey has just begun, and I look forward to the lessons, partnerships, and collective action that will emerge from this Academy as we continue working toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable world.

FMB.

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

I have arrived safely in New York ahead of a series of important international engagements.

Upon my arrival at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, I was warmly received by the Deputy Permanent Representative for Political Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Kalilu Totangi; the Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Chancery, Mr. Sulay Manah Kpukumu; and members of the Mission staff.

During my stay, I will participate in the 3rd Global First Partners Academy, a distinguished executive leadership programme for First Ladies and Gentlemen from around the world. I also look forward to a number of high-level engagements within the United Nations system.

I remain committed to advancing the interests of Sierra Leone, promoting the empowerment of women and girls, and strengthening global partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.

Stay tuned for more updates from my engagements in New York.

FMB.