H. E. Fatima Maada Bio

I am the First Lady of the Republic Of Sierra Leone. My passion to serve humanity is the reason behind my national campaign “Hands Off Our Girls”.

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Happy Birthday, my precious Amina. ❤️

Today, my heart is filled with so much gratitude to Allah for the blessing of giving me you. Watching you grow into the beautiful, kind, and amazing young woman you are has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

My daughter, no matter how old you become, you will always be my little girl. I will always be here to hold your hand, wipe your tears, celebrate your victories, and remind you of how deeply you are loved.

My prayer for you is that Allah continues to guide your steps, protect your heart, surround you with genuine love, and bless you with a life filled with happiness, purpose, good health, and peace. May He grant you every beautiful desire of your heart and give you the strength and wisdom to become everything you are destined to be.

Amina, always remember that you are loved beyond words. Being your mother is one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am so proud of you.

Happy birthday, my darling daughter. May this new chapter bring you endless blessings, beautiful memories, and reasons to smile.

Mummy loves you more than words could ever express. ❤️🎂🎉

FMB.

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Last night, I had the magnificent honour of attending the SLPP New York Chapter’s Executive Inaugural Ball in New York City, USA, as the distinguished guest of honour and Keynote speaker, under our universal motto, “One Country, One People.”

It was a deeply touching evening, as I was also honoured and celebrated for my leadership and advocacy in the landmark historic United Nations resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. I received this recognition with humility and a heart full of gratitude. For me, leadership is not about recognition, but about using every opportunity to serve and create a better future for our children.

As a mother, wife and daughter of Sierra Leone, I was especially moved to see our people come together, thousands of miles from home. As the oldest and most formidable political party in Sierra Leone, this evening was a beautiful reminder that the Sierra Leone People’s Party remains united, resilient and committed to serving our people and advancing the interests of our beloved nation.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to the SLPP New York Chapter, under the commendable leadership of Chairman Jabati Wai and his team, for hosting such a delightful and impactful evening. I also extend my sincere thanks to the newly inaugurated executive and every member of the Chapter for the warm reception and beautiful celebration. May we continue to lead with humility, wisdom, unity, and an unwavering love for Sierra Leone.

One Country. One People. One Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱❤️

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Excerpts from my speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Resolution A/80/L.99, entitled “International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.”

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

𝐔𝐍 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐃𝐑. 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐆𝐄

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: 4 September 2026 - The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, marking a historic milestone in the global fight to protect girls from child marriage and safeguard their rights, dignity, education and future. The resolution was adopted by consensus, bringing all 193 UN Member States behind a unified call for stronger action to eliminate the practice.

The historic resolution was championed by Sierra Leone’s First Lady and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, whose years of advocacy for the protection and empowerment of women and girls have helped elevate the issue onto the global stage. The adoption provides an annual international platform for governments, civil society, communities and development partners to intensify awareness, prevention, protection and action against child, early and forced marriage.

Reacting to the adoption, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said, “Today, the world has spoken with one voice: child, early, and forced marriage has no place in our societies.” She described the resolution as more than symbolic, calling it “a global mandate for action” and reaffirming the responsibility of leaders and advocates to ensure that every girl is free to dream, learn and thrive without being forced into marriage.

The achievement is the result of years of collaboration among African First Ladies, grassroots organisations and global child-rights advocates, including Just Rights for Children and its founder, Bhuwan Ribhu. Ribhu welcomed the adoption as a tipping point in the campaign, while stressing that the real work begins now. He called for unified action by governments, civil society, faith leaders, communities and children, with decisive leadership to end child marriage by 2030.

With 27 November now established as an International Day, the global community has a new annual opportunity to turn attention into action and accelerate efforts to end child, early and forced marriage. For Sierra Leone and Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, today's adoption is both a historic victory and a renewed commitment to the millions of girls whose futures remain at risk.

#UNICEF #BBC News #CNN His Excellency Julius Maada Bio Ministry of Health Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL United Nations Human Rights United Nations Human Rights

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Today, I have safely arrived in New York, United States of America, ahead of a momentous global engagement at the United Nations, where I will champion the proposed UN Resolution calling for the official proclamation of an International Day to End Child Marriage.

Standing on the world stage, I am honoured to advance this landmark initiative as part of my unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and futures of girls everywhere. This proposed resolution represents a defining milestone in our collective crusade to end child marriage and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and fulfil her God-given potential.

𝐅𝐌𝐁

#EndChildMarriage #EndForcedMarriage #handsoffourgirls #fatimamaadaBio

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Ending early, child and forced marriage is long overdue. For far too long, millions of girls have been robbed of their childhoods, denied their education, stripped of their choices, and forced into marriages they never chose.

We have spoken. We have advocated. We have marched. We have fought. Now, we are taking this fight to the global stage.

We will raise our voices where the world must hear us. We will demand accountability, action, and change. And we will not stop until the rights, dignity, freedom and future of every girl are protected.

Our girls are not brides. They are children with dreams, ambitions and a future to shape.

The time for silence is over.
The time for excuses is over.
The time to end early and forced marriage is NOW.

Let the world listen. Let the world act. Let us end child marriage — once and for all.

#EndChildMarriage #EndForcedMarriage #HandsOffOurGirls #LetGirlsBeGirls #GirlsDeserveBetter #ProtectOurGirls

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

My journey as a First Lady matters even more now, as the agenda I have dedicated my life to will finally be heard at the United Nations.

For all these years, I have carried this cause with passion, conviction, and hope—believing that our voices can create change and that every girl deserves a future free from early and forced marriage.

Thank you to everyone who has walked this journey with me, supported my work, believed in the cause, and stood with me through the years. This moment belongs to all of us.

The journey continues, and I am deeply grateful.

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

I am deeply honoured and humbled to be recognised by OncoDaily among the 100 Influential Women in Oncology 2026.

My sincere gratitude to the OncoDaily team for this meaningful recognition and for creating a platform that celebrates women whose work is helping to transform cancer care and improve lives around the world.

For me, this recognition is not simply an honour; it is a reminder of the responsibility we carry to continue advocating for women’s health, strengthening awareness and prevention, promoting early detection, and ensuring that women have access to quality cancer care.

I am proud to stand alongside so many extraordinary women whose dedication, leadership and service continue to make a difference.

Thank you, OncoDaily, for recognising our collective efforts and for amplifying the voices of women working towards a healthier world.

Together, we continue to turn advocacy into action and hope into impact.

#100InfluentialWomenInOncology #OncoDaily #WomensHealth #CancerCare #CancerAwareness #WomenInLeadership

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Thank you to the strong men in Parliament who chose inclusivity over ego.

Women are not charity—we are nation builders, leaders, and equal partners in development.

The PR system is not a sign of weakness; it is a pathway to greater inclusion, representation, and equality. When women have a seat at the table, our nation becomes stronger.

A leader who believes in women’s inclusion in nation-building is a man of honour.

Thank you to President Julius Maada Bio, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Honourable Members of Parliament who remained in the well of Parliament and voted YES for the PR system. You have made history with the women of Sierra Leone.

Thank you for believing in our ability to shape our nation together. We are proud of you all.

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

As I joined my husband, His Excellency Brig. (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to gracefully attend the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

This historic occasion was far more than a constitutional ceremony; it was a powerful affirmation of our nation’s resilience, democratic strength, and collective progress under the steady and visionary leadership of my husband.

As I listened to his address, I watched his words inspire the representatives of our people gathered in the Chamber of Parliament, serving as a renewed call to unity, accountability, purposeful service, and national transformation.

As First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, I saw Sierra Leone’s Political representatives united with a heart filled with hope and deep confidence in the future of our beloved nation. Sierra Leone continues to rise through the shared determination of a people committed to peace, justice, opportunity, and inclusive development.

May this new parliamentary session strengthen our democracy, reinforce our institutions, and accelerate the progress our citizens deserve. Let us continue to place country above self, unity above division, and service above personal interest, so that together we can build a Sierra Leone that is stronger, more prosperous, more compassionate, and more respected among the family of nations.

God bless Parliament, God bless our democracy, and God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting my dear sister, Her Excellency Mrs. Zita Oligui Nguema, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic, at a special dinner held at the Lagonda Hotel in Aberdeen. It was my great honour to warmly welcome her to Sierra Leone on her second visit to our beautiful country.

Joined by distinguished guests from across Sierra Leone, we celebrated the enduring values of African sisterhood, friendship, and unity that continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations.

Fresh from our engagements in Luanda, Angola, I reflected on the remarkable solidarity of African First Ladies and expressed my heartfelt appreciation to my dear sister for her unwavering support throughout my tenure as President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). Together, we have worked to strengthen our organization and advance meaningful initiatives that improve the lives of women, girls, and communities across our continent.

On behalf of my husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, I sincerely thanked all our distinguished guests for honouring my invitation with their presence. Their attendance exemplified Sierra Leone’s renowned hospitality and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Gabonese Republic.

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, has arrived at the official launch of the continental campaign, “Strengthening Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict and a Sustainable Future,” taking place at the InterContinental Hotel in Luanda, Angola.

The campaign brings together African First Ladies, development partners, policymakers, and key stakeholders to advance practical, collaborative, and sustainable solutions that strengthen the resilience of women and girls in the face of climate change, conflict, and other emerging challenges.

30th July 2026

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

I have safely arrived in Luanda, Angola, ahead of the official launch of the continental campaign, “Strengthening Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict and a Sustainable Future.”

As President of OAFLAD, I am honoured to join my fellow First Ladies, development partners, and key stakeholders as we reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing practical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that empower women and girls across Africa.

This campaign reflects our shared determination to ensure that women and girls are not only protected from the impacts of climate change and conflict but are also equipped to lead, innovate, and thrive as drivers of sustainable development.

I look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue, fostering stronger partnerships, and translating our shared vision into concrete actions that will create lasting opportunities, strengthen resilience, and build a more just, prosperous, and sustainable future for our continent.

Together, we can ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.

#BuildingResilience #OAFLAD #HerJourneyHerHealth #WomenAndGirls #ClimateAction #SierraLeone #Africa

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Today, I call on all Honourable Members of Parliament to do the right thing by voting in favour of the Constitutional Amendments Bill, particularly the provisions that strengthen the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system and guarantee women’s inclusion in Parliament. This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. Your vote today will determine whether Sierra Leone takes a bold step towards a more inclusive, representative, and equitable democracy.

My primary focus is on the provisions that will guarantee women secure seats in Parliament through the Proportional Representation (PR) system. Around the world, PR has proven to be one of the most effective electoral systems for increasing women’s representation in elected office and ensuring that Parliament reflects the diversity of the people it serves.

The passage of this provision will send a powerful message that Sierra Leone is committed to making gender equity and equality a lived reality, not just an aspiration. It will demonstrate our determination to ensure that women have a stronger voice in decision-making and are fully represented in shaping the future of our nation.

Women are not asking for special treatment; they are asking for equal opportunity to contribute their knowledge, leadership, and experience to national development. No nation can achieve sustainable progress while half of its population remains underrepresented in its highest decision-making institutions. Women’s meaningful participation in Parliament is essential to stronger governance, better policymaking, and inclusive nation-building.

I therefore urge every Honourable Member of Parliament to rise above political differences and vote in support of women’s full and meaningful inclusion in our national politics. Let history remember this Parliament as the one that chose equality, strengthened democracy, and affirmed that the women of Sierra Leone deserve their rightful place in building our nation.

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

With a heavy heart, together with my husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, we gather today not only in grief, but also in gratitude, as we bid farewell to our beloved spiritual mother, Reverend Prophetess Margaret Nabeh Brandon.

Prophetess Margaret Nabeh Brandon was far more than a prophetess. To me, she was a spiritual mother whose prayers strengthened me, whose hands were always lifted in blessing over my life, and whose unwavering faith never ceased to believe in me. She did not merely preach the Gospel—she lived it every single day. She fed the hungry, comforted the broken-hearted, uplifted the vulnerable, and inspired countless men and women to rise above life’s challenges with faith and courage.

Through her ministry, many came to know Christ. Through her compassion, many discovered hope. Through her wisdom, many found direction. She was a devoted mother, a trusted friend, an extraordinary role model, and above all, a faithful servant of God whose life reflected His love and grace.

Today, the pulpit will not sound the same without her powerful voice, and the altar will feel empty without her fervent prayers. Yet, while her earthly voice has been silenced, her legacy will continue to echo through every life she touched, every soul she nurtured, and every heart she led closer to God.

As we lay you to rest today, we do not say goodbye. Instead, we celebrate a life beautifully lived in faithful service to God and humanity. We say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23.

May Almighty God grant you eternal rest in His heavenly Kingdom, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or suffering.

Rest peacefully, our beloved Mummy. We love you deeply, but God loves you most.

FMB

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

Today, as a family, we decided to spend some much-needed quality time together exploring the beauty of our beloved Sierra Leone.

Our journey began at Leicester Peak, where we took in the breathtaking panoramic view of Freetown from the mountains—a reminder of just how beautiful our capital city truly is. From there, we visited Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where we witnessed its remarkable development and, most importantly, gave our children the opportunity to learn about the lives, conservation, and protection of our precious chimpanzees.

We rounded off this wonderful day with some peaceful family time at the farm, enjoying nature, laughter, and each other’s company.

In the midst of our busy schedules, moments like these remind us of the importance of family, creating lasting memories, and appreciating the incredible treasures our country has to offer.

Thank you, Julius, for taking us out for a well-deserved day of sightseeing, learning, and togetherness.

JMB & FMB ❤️🇸🇱

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

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.

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

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

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

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

[H. E. Fatima Maada Bio @FirstLadyBio]

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