OAFLAD 🌍

Official Account of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. 2025-27 : PR 🇸🇱/VP 🇦🇴| #Newsletter ✉️⤵️ #OAFLAD

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

This October, OAFLAD turns pink. 🎀

Across Africa, First Ladies stand united with one voice and one purpose: to raise awareness, encourage early detection, support women and families affected by breast cancer, and strengthen the collective fight against a disease that continues to claim far too many lives.

Pink is more than a colour this month. It is a symbol of courage, solidarity, hope and action.

Together, we can break the silence, promote screening, expand access to care and remind every woman that early detection can save lives.

This October, Africa’s First Ladies stand together against breast cancer. 💗

#OAFLAD #OctoberPink #PinkOctober #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #WomensHealth #AfricaUnited

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

🇹🇿 Zanzibar, Tanzania, has officially become the 9th #OAFLAD Member State to launch the #BuildingResilience Campaign!

On 7 November 2026, H.E. Mama Mariam H. Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar, Settlor and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF), officially launched the campaign in Zanzibar, marking another milestone in OAFLAD’s continental movement.

The campaign aims to strengthen the resilience of women and girls in the face of climate change and conflict, while promoting their protection, economic empowerment and active participation in building stronger communities.

With Zanzibar joining as the 9th Member State, the #BuildingResilience movement continues to grow, turning Africa’s shared commitment into meaningful action for women and girls across the continent.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

The First Lady of Angola SE Afonso Dias Lourenço has pleaded for their full participation in climate policies and sustainable development.
#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

La première Dame d'Angola SE Afonso Dias Lourenço a plaidé pour leur pleine participation aux politiques climatiques et au développement durable.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

"When we educate a young girl and empower a woman, we invest in an entire nation"

At the 7th #FFL, the First Lady of Angola highlighted the role of education and women's empowerment in the development of human capital and the transformation of Africa
#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

"Lorsqu’on éduque une jeune fille et qu’on autonomise une femme, on investit dans toute une nation"
Au 7ème #FFL la Première Dame d'Angola a souligné le rôle de l’éducation et de l’autonomisation des femmes dans le développement du capital humain et la transformation de l’Afrique

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

For Ézéchiel Nibigira, President of the #CEEAC Commission, women are not only affected by climate change: they are also indispensable actors in adaptation and sustainable solutions.
#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Pour Ézéchiel Nibigira, Président de la Commission de la #CEEAC, les femmes ne sont pas seulement touchées par les changements climatiques : elles sont aussi des actrices incontournables de l’adaptation et des solutions durables.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

The president of the #CEEAC Commission, Ézéchiel Nibigira, emphasized that the empowerment of women and young girls is a strategic lever for the development of human capital and climate resilience. "When a woman is trained, a nation rises." #BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Le président de la Commission de la #CEEAC, Ézéchiel Nibigira, a souligné que l’autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes filles est un levier stratégique du développement du capital humain et de la résilience climatique. " Quand une femme est formée, c’est une nation qui s’élève"

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

The Representative of the United Nations system in Burundi emphasized the strategic role of education, economic empowerment, and the inclusion of women and young girls in the development of human capital and resilience against climate change.#FFL7 #BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

la Représentante du système des Nations Unies au Burundi a insisté sur le rôle stratégique de l’éducation, de l’autonomisation économique et de l’inclusion des femmes et des jeunes filles dans le développement du capital humain et la résilience face au changement climatique.#FFL7

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

The representative of #Gavi reminded that vaccination is an important lever for the empowerment of women and the resilience of communities. She praised the advances in Burundi, emphasizing that protecting children's health is investing in the future of all of Africa.
#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

La représentante de #Gavi a rappelé que la vaccination est un levier important de l’autonomisation des femmes et de la résilience des communautés. Elle a salué les avancées du Burundi, soulignant que protéger la santé des enfants, c’est investir dans l’avenir de toute l’Afrique.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

During her presentation, the Executive Secretary of @OPDD_Burundi, Dr. Liliane Nkengurutse, highlighted the main objectives of the Forum: to better understand the challenges of women's empowerment to mobilize the various actors around concrete and effective actions.
#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Lors de sa présentation, la Secrétaire exécutive de @OPDD_Burundi , Dr Liliane Nkengurutse, a souligné les principaux objectifs du Forum : mieux comprendre les enjeux de l’autonomisation des femmes pour mobiliser les différents acteurs autour d’actions concrètes et effectives

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

The First Ladies of the Central African Republic, Senegal and Angola, along with several other high-ranking national and international figures, honored this important meeting dedicated to female leadership and women's empowerment with their presence.

#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Les Premières Dames de la République centrafricaine, du Sénégal et de l’Angola, aux côtés de plusieurs autres hautes personnalités nationales et internationales, ont honoré de leur présence ce grand rendez-vous consacré au leadership féminin et à l’autonomisation des femmes

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

This high-level meeting constitutes a privileged framework for exchanges and commitments in favor of the empowerment of women and young girls, the development of human capital and the strengthening of resilience against climate change.

#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Cette rencontre de haut niveau constitue un cadre privilégié d’échanges et d’engagements en faveur de l’autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes filles, du développement du capital humain et du renforcement de la résilience face aux changements climatiques.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

Under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, the 7th edition of the High-Level Forum of Women Leaders is held on November 4, 2026, in #Bujumbura.

#BuildingResilience

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Sous le Haut Patronage de Son Excellence Monsieur Évariste Ndayishimiye, Président de la République du Burundi, se tient, ce 4 novembre 2026, à #Bujumbura, la 7ᵉ édition du Forum de Haut Niveau des Femmes Leaders.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

🇧🇮 The #BuildingResilience movement continues to grow!

Today, Burundi becomes the 8th OAFLAD Member State to launch the campaign, reaffirming our collective commitment to empowering women and girls in the face of climate change and conflict.

[OPDD-Burundi @OPDD_Burundi]

Suivez en direct les activités de la 7ème édition du Forum de Haut Niveau des Femmes Leaders de ce 04.11.2026

https://t.co/sGuN3neJLM

[First Lady Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio]

History calls upon us not only to remember, but to act. The pursuit of justice, equality and dignity demands the courage to confront the injustices of the past and the responsibility to build a fairer future for generations to come.

Today, in Antigua and Barbuda, I was honoured to attend, alongside His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and my dear husband, the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

This year’s summit is particularly significant as reparations take centre stage in the global conversation.

The time has come for the world to confront the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism and historical exploitation. Their impact continues to shape inequalities and limit opportunities, particularly across Africa and the Caribbean.

Reparations are not about dwelling on the past; they are about acknowledging historical injustices, pursuing accountability and advancing healing, restoration and justice.

The world cannot genuinely champion equality and shared prosperity while ignoring the historical injustices that helped create today’s global inequalities.

This conversation is imperative now because justice delayed must not become justice denied. We owe it to past generations, those living with the consequences today, and generations yet unborn.

The pursuit of reparatory justice is ultimately a pursuit of dignity, fairness and a more equitable world for all.

WE ARE FATIMA.

FMB

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

02 November 2026

A historic moment. This morning, we had the distinct honor of welcoming H.E. Mrs. Neo Jane Masisi @njmasisi , former First Lady of Botswana, to the OAFLAD Secretariat during her visit to Addis Ababa.

Her visit marks a special milestone, as she becomes the first former First Lady to visit the OAFLAD Secretariat.

We are deeply grateful for her valuable insights, words of wisdom, and recognition of OAFLAD’s vital role in advancing the well-being of women, children, and communities across Africa.

As we look ahead to OAFLAD’s 25th anniversary in 2027, we welcome the opportunity to further engage with H.E. Mrs. Masisi, reflect on our collective journey, celebrate the legacy of African First Ladies’ leadership, and shape a shared vision for the future.

#OAFLAD #AfricanFirstLadies #25YearsOfImpact #WomenInLeadership

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

🕊️ May her soul RIP

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Ms Monica Geingos joins mourners at the memorial service of the late Madame Penehupifo Hashoowalindishi Pohamba, Second First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, held at Parliament Gardens in Windhoek.

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

Earlier this week, we held our 3rd Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Working Group meeting, bringing together Technical Advisors to the First Ladies of Angola 🇦🇴, Botswana 🇧🇼, Ghana 🇬🇭, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 and Zambia 🇿🇲, alongside representatives from our partners, including Abbott, UNICEF, UNFPA, Gavi, the Global Platform for Action to End FGM and Anusha/Team.

The meeting opened with remarks from the Office of the OAFLAD President, followed by a presentation from our Executive Secretary, Dr. Nardos Berhanu, who highlighted progress made in advancing our GBV-related priorities and outlined key areas for continued collaboration.

Discussions focused on reviewing our collective achievements and coordinating preparations for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December 2026).

Together with our Member States and partners, we explored opportunities to strengthen advocacy, amplify the voices of African First Ladies, promote access to justice and survivor-centred support, and translate our shared commitments into meaningful action.

As we prepare for this important campaign, we remain committed to fostering stronger partnerships and coordinated efforts towards a future free from violence for women and girls across Africa.

#OAFLAD #OPDAD #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

IN LOVING MEMORY OF H.E. MADAM PENEHUPIFO POHAMBA (1948–2026) 🕊️

The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) mourns with profound sadness the passing of H.E. Madam Penehupifo Pohamba, former First Lady of the Republic of Namibia and former President of OAFLAD.

A visionary leader and dedicated advocate for the well-being of women and children, H.E. Madam Pohamba played a pivotal role in strengthening our organization. During her presidency, she spearheaded the establishment of the OAFLAD Secretariat, laying an institutional foundation that continues to support our collective mission and impact across Africa.

Her leadership, commitment and invaluable contributions will forever remain part of OAFLAD’s history and legacy.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, the people of Namibia, and all those whose lives she touched.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

As part of the activities surrounding the #BuildingResilience campaign launch in Dakar, African First Ladies visited the historic Gorée Island, a powerful symbol of remembrance, freedom and human dignity.

From the House of Slaves to the prestigious Mariama Bâ School of Excellence, the visit connected Africa’s shared history with its responsibility to future generations. Meeting young girls pursuing academic excellence was a powerful reminder that education remains essential to empowering girls to shape their own futures.

The programme continued on 15 October 2026 with the 7th edition of Salon Afrique Unie, for which H.E. Mrs @MarieKhoneFaye, First Lady of Senegal, served as patron. The event highlighted education, training and opportunities for African youth.

✨ These meaningful moments reflect our shared commitment to preserving Africa’s heritage, investing in the next generation and strengthening partnerships that advance the resilience and empowerment of women and girls across the continent.

#HerJourneyHerHealth #BuildingResilience #OAFLAD #Senegal

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

🇸🇳 Senegal becomes the 7th country to launch the #BuildingResilience campaign!

Today, 14 October 2026, Dakar hosts the official launch ceremony, marking another milestone in our collective commitment to advancing the health and well-being of women and girls across Africa.

Joining the host, H.E. Mrs @MarieKhoneFaye , First Lady of Senegal, the ceremony’s programme features six African First Ladies:

🇸🇱 H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio @Ladyfatimabio – Sierra Leone, President of OAFLAD

🇧🇮 H.E. Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye @OPDD_Burundi – Burundi

🇨🇻 H.E. Mrs. Débora Katisa Carvalho – Cabo Verde

🇬🇦 H.E. Mrs. Zita Oligui Nguema @ZitaOligui – Gabon

🇬🇲 H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow – The Gambia

🇨🇫 H.E. Mrs. Brigitte Touadéra – Central African Republic

Their participation reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier and more resilient Africa.

✨ Stay tuned! We will be sharing the key moments of this memorable day with you!

#HerJourneyHerHealth #BuildingResilience #OAFLAD #Senegal

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

Today’s ceremony, held in the presence of H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, brought together African First Ladies from Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 , Burundi 🇧🇮 , Cabo Verde🇨🇻, Gabon 🇬🇦 , The Gambia 🇬🇲 and the Central African Republic 🇨🇫 , alongside their host, H.E. Mrs. @MarieKhoneFaye , First Lady of Senegal.

The programme featured inspiring addresses from the First Ladies, remarks by OAFLAD Executive Secretary Dr. Nardos Berhanu, and testimonials highlighting initiatives supporting women and girls in Senegal.

Beyond the official ceremony, the day’s programme also includes a showcase of local craftsmanship through the “Made in Senegal” exhibition, followed by a visit to the historic Gorée Island, highlighting Senegal’s rich cultural heritage and women’s empowerment initiatives.

✨ A day celebrating African leadership, shared experiences and stronger partnerships for a healthier, more resilient Africa!

#HerJourneyHerHealth #BuildingResilience #OAFLAD #Senegal

[OAFLAD 🌍 @OAFLAD]

#BuildingResilience

[UNESCO Dakar 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture @UNESCO_Dakar]

A cette occasion, le Dir.Rég. @dimsanga a remis officiellement à Mme @MarieKhoneFaye, Première Dame du #Sénégal, le rapport de @UNESCO_Dakar "Investir dans les #FemmesEnScience : Étude de l’impact économique des financements publics en #Afrique".

[UNESCO Dakar 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture @UNESCO_Dakar]

@dimsanga @MarieKhoneFaye @OnuSenegal @AFRIQUEUNIE @UNESCO_fr @LidiaArthurBri1 @ViePubliqueSN @OAFLAD "Investir dans le potentiel scientifique commence dès l’#école. Garantissons aux #filles un accès équitable aux #sciences, à la technologie et à l’ingénierie. Combattons les stéréotypes pour leur ouvrir la voie de la recherche et des responsabilités scientifiques."
— @dimsanga