On Day 1 of #FirstPartnersAcademy, First Ladies explored how to lead in the public eye, build impactful platforms & turn pressure into purpose. Social issues may be called “soft,” but they demand some of the hardest leadership. This is why this Academy exists.#GFLA
Yesterday, we wrapped up our third Global First Partners Academy! From July 8th–10th, First Partners & representatives from 13 nations came together to share, learn, and lead. These leaders often step into their roles without training or support—we're proud to stand with them.
#SarahBrown, former First Lady of the UK 🇬🇧, We're honored to welcome her to this year’s Global First Ladies Academy. As Chair of #Theirworld & Exec Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education, she’s a true champion for global health, girls’ education & youth power.
#FirstLadyofNigeria 🇳🇬H.E. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria, champions a life-course approach to women’s health and empowerment from menstrual health and midwife support to education scholarships and economic training. Dignity, opportunity, and care at every stage.
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#FirstLadyofKenya H.E. Rachel Ruto 🇰🇪 is redefining maternal & child health - building hospitals, launching school nutrition programs & using drones to cut medical delivery time from 1hr to 7min. Innovation that saves lives. #WomensHealth#DigitalHealth
🇸🇷 #FirstLadyofSuriname Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry at #GlobalSoftPowerSummit2025- Leaders need to model equality and inclusion, youth mirror what they see. Aligns with #GFLA2025 theme:“Preparing the Youth for the Future.” We look forward to welcoming you all to NYC this July!
Everyday, and especially on #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and leadership of women everywhere. When women support one another, they don’t just break barriers, they build bridges for future generations. #SisterhoodInLeadership
This morning, we convened Senior Advisors virtually from 17 countries to discuss the 3rd Global First Partners Academy & strategies to combat online harassment against women leaders. Thank you to #ShePersisted for sharing key insights on AI, misinformation & online GBV
Congratulations to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio on being elected President of #OALFAD! 🎉 Your commitment to empowering women and girls across Africa is truly inspiring. GFLA celebrates your leadership and looks forward to your impact. #WomenInLeadership#Empowerment
I am honored to announce that I have been elected to serve as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), an esteemed organization comprising First Ladies from across Africa. This role is not only a privilege but also a profound responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow First Ladies who have supported me throughout this journey. Your belief in my leadership inspires me to steer this ship towards our collective goals.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to all Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, for granting my husband the opportunity to serve our nation. Your trust and support are invaluable.
Lastly, I would like to thank my He for She president, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, for empowering me and providing a platform that allows me to champion the cause of women and girls in Sierra Leone and beyond. Together, we will work tirelessly to uplift our communities and advocate for positive change.
FMB.
We are honored to highlight one of our sponsors, PepsiCo Foundation.
The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities.
Thank you to everyone who made the Academy this year such a success!
We would like to take the time to thank one of our sponsors, Merck!
At Merck, they are unified around their purpose: they use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.
The first day of the Academy has come to an end after a series of incredible presentations, conversations, and activities.
Stay tuned for more updates on day 2 of the Academy!
Thank you to Prosper Africa for being an integral sponsor of this year's academy. Prosper Africa is a Presidential-level national security initiative aimed at strengthening the strategic and economic partnership between the U.S. and Africa.
We are pleased to feature one of our sponsors, the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice!
The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice.
We are delighted to highlight our host, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health! The Mailman School and GLFA have collaborated closely to organize this year's academy. Additionally, three professors from the Mailman School will be delivering lectures !
We are thrilled to announce the second annual Global First Ladies Academy, happening this week! This event will bring together over 15 First Ladies from around the world for an enriching experience in global health training, collaboration, and joint learning.
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, and the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America.
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State of Representatives of Latin America, the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network, and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen!
Since 2009, the Global First Ladies Alliance has been privileged to support over seventy First Ladies from around the world, supporting them in their efforts to address critical issues within their countries. To date, we have supported over 70 First Ladies.