Brief Profile
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio is the First Lady of Sierra Leone and the President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). She is an accomplished campaigner-advocating for women, girls, and gender equality issues from grassroot right through to the United Nations. Her flagship “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign has reduced sexual and gender-based violence (SGVB), early child-marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child trafficking among others and at the same time increased awareness on HIV & AIDs transmission, cancer and fistula as well as increasing access to justice and the provision of free sanitary pads for school children.
Dr Fatima campaigned for the adoption of UN World Day- November 18 for Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence and has climaxed it by prevailing on the Parliament of Sierra Leone to ban Child Marriage in June 2024. Her desire to improved healthcare outcomes motivated her to reconstruct and transform the 34 Military Hospital from a 70-bed to 600-bed capacity with teaching facilities and a Centre of Excellence (care for SGBV Survivors). In 2023, the UNAIDS appointed her Champion for Adolescent Girls and Young women Education-Plus. She serves on the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste appointed by the UN Secretary General. She has delivered public lectures in several universities across the world and served as keynote speaker at international and national events on women and girls empowerment issues. She is a visiting lecturer at the Milton Margai Technical University in the Faculty of Education teaching Performing Arts and Leadership. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from the United Kingdom, one in Performing Arts of Roehampton University and a bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the London College of Communication.
Dr Fatima Maada Bio, has been awarded with several coveted honours globally, in recognition of her achievement for her advocacy and philanthropic work, naming her as the Best First Lady of the Year 2024, at the UK House of Parliament, by the London Political Summit and Awards
Key Achievements and Projects of Dr. Fatima Maada Bio:
- The Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Bill: As a passionate advocate for girls’ rights, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio played a leading role in the successful passage of the landmark Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill in Sierra Leone. She not only championed the cause but also personally proposed the Bill to Parliament, calling for the eradication of child marriage and the removal of provisions in the Child Rights Act of 2007 that previously allowed a child to give consent. Her advocacy and legislative push resulted in the July 2024 enactment of this historic law, which now criminalizes child marriage and provides stronger protections for minors across the country.
Link:
- Passing of the Bill: https://firstlady.gov.sl/%F0%9D%90%92%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%9A-%F0%9D%90%8B%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9E-%F0%9D%90%8F%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%A5%F0%9D%90%A2/
- Presidential Assent of the Bill and the launch of the We are Equal Campaign: https://statehouse.gov.sl/sierra-leones-president-julius-maada-bio-signs-the-prohibition-of-child-marriage-act-2024-into-law-launches-the-oaflad-weareequal-campaign-to-protect-women-and-girls/
- International Headlines and News Impact: More than 80 International Headlines in 24 Hours https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0SiDshKAbPKY2DdbELSeBKGnu718PU9G1QCRy3FUUGWiq3VhBRv4W18V8NQiTAq5tl&id=100044398780466&mibextid=WC7FNe
- Passing of the Bill Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill: https://firstlady.gov.sl/%F0%9D%90%92%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%9A-%F0%9D%90%8B%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9E-%F0%9D%90%8F%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%A5%F0%9D%90%A2/
Hands Off Our Girls: Now a Registered International | NGO
Hands Off Our Girls, once a national advocacy campaign, is now officially a registered international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The organization is committed to advancing the rights, safety, and well-being of girls and young women, particularly across Africa. Its mission centers on eliminating harmful practices such as rape, child marriage, and gender-based violence, with a strategic focus on advocacy, legal reform, community sensitization, and survivor support.
Her Flagship Program: The Hands Off Our Girls Initiative
At the heart of the organization’s mission lies its flagship initiative, the Hands Off Our Girls campaign. This powerful movement was founded to combat the disturbing rise in child marriage, rape, and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone and has grown into a model of transformative advocacy across the continent.
Key Impact and Achievements:
- The campaign has significantly raised public awareness on the prevalence of child marriage and sexual violence, leading to a surge in reporting and community response to protect vulnerable girls.
- Through persistent grassroots and high-level advocacy, Hands Off Our Girls has been instrumental in shaping policy dialogue and driving legislative change.
- One of its most historic achievements is the successful passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, signed into law in July 2024. This landmark legislation:
- Officially criminalizes child marriage in Sierra Leone.
- Mandates that any man who marries or attempts to marry a child faces up to 30 years in prison or a fine of approximately $4,000.
- Ensures that girls are given the legal protection they deserve to grow up free from coercion, exploitation, and abuse
- IMPACT OFF OUR GIRLS: IN SIERRA LEONE
- The introduction and distribution of Free sanitary pads: In December 2019, the First Lady of Sierra Leone through the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign launched this project and started the distribution of Free Sanitary Pads in 2020, to girls attending government-assisted schools in Sierra Leone, addressing a crucial need and enabling them to pursue education without interruption during their monthly periods.
Links:
Launching of Free Sanitary Pads Distribution Nationally for Millions1 of Girls
- Consistent Distribution Process in Various Parts of Sierra Leone in the past 5 years
2025 Distribution: In the provinces of Sierra Leone
Kailahun:
https://youtu.be/b65osCJ5yJo?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/i347iXsD0lk?si=roLIPXERU3oB6KGs
https://youtu.be/xfgvZmdTztA?si=4FpK0ZGBxurmQZRG
https://youtu.be/E_i6JAdypAg?si=aqALbR0wgz9iVAnG
https://youtu.be/r45TgpAufYo?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/s94GSdewaso?feature=shared
- Enhancing the Legal Framework on Sexual Offences in Sierra Leone: Dr. Fatima Maada Bio successfully influenced the then existing Sexual Offences Act of 2012 in Sierra Leone, which underwent a pivotal update in September 2019, mandating a minimum imprisonment of 15 years for a rape conviction, a substantial increase from the previous 2-year maximum sentence. Additionally, convictions for child rape were elevated to life imprisonment from a previous 2-year maximum sentence.
- Expedited Justice: The introduction of a Fast-Track Special Court for rape cases in 2020, drastically reduced case turnaround time, from a two-year wait to within a week. The establishment of this Fast Track Court was influenced by Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s flagship program, the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign (HOOG Campaign).
- The National Food Basket: This Project consistently reaches the physically challenged communities in Sierra Leone with food items, such as the War Wounded, Polio Challenge Association, Handicap Activity Training Association, the disabled and Orphanage Homes.
Links: Launching of the National Food Basket: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=356221848751097
- The construction of a 600-bed hospital. Currently at 85% completed, it is poised to provide a comprehensive healthcare support for citizens of Sierra Leone and also accommodate foreign guests. A seven-building facility is in progress, designed to shelter survivors of rape and gender-based violence. This facility will offer a range of services, including counselling, psycho-social support, medical treatment, and a family support unit. The building project stands at 50% completion, a testament of the campaign’s dedication to healing and empowerment.
Links: Original Sod Turning for 100 Bed, later Upgraded to 600 bed: https://firstlady.gov.sl/first-lady-turns-the-sod-for-the-construction-of-a-100-bed-pediatric-hospital-at-the-34-military-hospital/
Other Stories:
UN SPECIAL ENVOY ON ROAD SAFETY JEAN TODT MAIN EVENT AT STATEHOUSE AND PRESS CONFERENCE:
- Main Event: State Holder Meeting’ At State https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1491950875083372
- Presidential Courtesy Visit: https://sierraleone.un.org/en/272415-meeting-president-bio-un-sec-gen%E2%80%99s-special-envoy-wants-road-safety-top-african-agenda
- Hospital Tour:
https://ayvnews.com/first-lady-uns-ambassador-todt-tour-34-hospital/ - FIRST LADIES OF AFRICA VISIT 34 MILITARY HOSPITAL
- THE ULTRA-MODERN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY MEDICAL COLLEGE:
The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone a massive medical academic institution in Sierra Leone, to train professionals within the Healthcare and Public health landscape.
Link: https://ayvnews.com/first-lady-dr-fatima-bio-american-university-sign-agreement/
- FATIMA MAADA BIO’S
OAFLAD PRESIDENCY
The Organization of African First Ladies for Development
- Fatima Maada Bio Elected as President of OAFLAD:
- Official Inauguration as President of OAFLAD: https://www.facebook.com/share/17FaCRm5MY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- A National Hero’s Welcome fit for a President:
- Parliament of Sierra Leone Celebrates First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio
HER EXCELLENCY DR. FATIMA MAADA BIO’S IMPACT AT
THE UNITED NATIONS
UN WORLD DAY RESULATION FOR SEXUAL VIOENCE VICTIMS
United Nations General Assembly: First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio introduced a Draft Resolution to Declare November 18 the “World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence” AND Resolution on “Sexual exploitation and abuse: implementing a zero-tolerance policy”. The outcome was a resounding support for the Call by the First Lady by well over 100 countries – and eventually it was adopted unanimously. Today was a historic day in so many ways.
Link: https://youtu.be/MEbM3VXmLX4?feature=shared
HER EXCELLENCY’S ADDRESS AT THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Advocated for the adoption of the “World Day for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence Resolution” at the United Nations General Assembly.
Link: https://youtu.be/MEbM3VXmLX4?si=q5xOMSnAfcHt_sk7
COMMEMORATION OF THE UN WORLD DAY IN SIERRA LEONE:
APPOINTED AS BOARD MEMBER OF THE UNITED NATIONS ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:
- Appointment:https://sierraloaded.sl/news/fatima-bio-appointed-promote-zero-waste-initiatives/
- 1st Zero Waste Meeting: https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/un-zero-waste-board-holds-first-meeting-in-istanbul/news
- https://sierraloaded.sl/news/fatima-bio-high-level-meeting-un-2023-zero-waste-advisory-board/
- 2023 Zero Waste Meeting: https://sierraloaded.sl/news/fatima-bio-high-level-meeting-un-2023-zero-waste-advisory-board/
UNITED NATIONS AIDS (UNAIDS) APPOINTS THE FIRST LADY OF SIERRA LEONE AS A CHAMPION FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 19 September 2023—
KEY AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS:
AFRICAN FIRST LADY OF THE YEAR, AT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS UK:
Link: https://www.slpptoday.com/first-lady-fatima-bio-honored-at-london-political-summit/
AFRICAN MINISTER’S COUNCIL APPOINTS FIRST LADY FATIMA BIO AS CHAMPION FOR SANITATION AND HYGIENE:
https://youtu.be/b9XDUHs3pBI?si=2zWWBHukDpQSvdjS
https://youtu.be/XmR6jAqYPgA?si=c4UMocuVGcQxEBN5
https://youtu.be/fYp-cIfAXHk?si=mWZBfjUkcoTJb7gA
AWARDED THE HONORARY TITLE OF DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE (USL)
ADDRESSED THE COMMONWEALTH FIRST LADIES ON PEACE AND UNITY FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/no-more-commonwealth-women-leaders-commit-ending-domestic-and-sexual-violence
PARTICIPATED IN A HIGH-LEVEL GLOBAL WASTE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK: https://www.herald.co.zw/first-lady-signs-global-waste-management-declaration/
AWARDED AND CHOSEN AS THE BELL RINGER AT THE UNITED NATIONS IN 2022.
LED 50 SIERRA LEONEAN ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS TO EXPO 2022 IN DUBAI.
https://firstlady.gov.sl/sierra-leone-shines-bright-at-expo-2020-in-dubai/
HOSTED AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE RECEPTION FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS. 16. PRESENTED SIERRA LEONE’S CASE AT THE CANCER MOONSHOT SEMINAR IN THE UNITED STATES.
https://www.fopradio.org/fatima-bio-enters-buckingham-palace-for-a-recep/
HARVARD UNIVERSITY LECTURES:
FIRST LADY OF SIERRA LEONE VISITS POP FRANCIS IN ROME:
https://sierraloaded.sl/news/fatima-bio-pope-francis-rome-italy/
In her five years as Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has transformed the role, achieving significant milestones, including launching the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, establishing a rape/sexual abuse court for minors, distributing sanitary pads to school-going pupils, and nationwide food basket donations. These efforts, combined with international achievements, reinforce her standing as the “First Lady of Sierra Leone expresses gratitude for her impactful contributions, signaling that her initiatives will undoubtedly benefit the nation.
RECEIVED A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AS THE CHAMPION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS: https://firstlady.gov.sl/h-e-fatima-maada-bio-receives-warrior-award-in-california/
RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL AWARD OF MOST INFLUENTIAL 100 PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT UNDER THE AGE OF 40: https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/you-empower-women-in-africa-you-empower-africa-says-sierra-leones-first-lady-fatima-bio/
AWARDED THREE DOCTORATES DEGREES:
– DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTER BY THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY: https://firstlady.gov.sl/%F0%9D%90%85%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%90%91%F0%9D%90%92%F0%9D%90%93-%F0%9D%90%8B%F0%9D%90%80%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%98-%F0%9D%90%8C%F0%9D%90%91%F0%9D%90%92-%F0%9D%90%85%F0%9D%90%80%F0%9D%90%93%F0%9D%90%88/
– UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE AWARDS DOTORATE DEGREE OF LETTERS (D.LITT), HONORIS CAUSA TO FIRST LADY FATIMA BIO: https://statehouse.gov.sl/sierra-leones-president-julius-maada-bio-witnesses-award-of-honorary-doctorate-degree-to-first-lady-fatima-bio-congratulates-outstanding-achievements-of-all-graduands/
– FIRST LADY GETS HONORARY DOCTOR DEGREE AT REGIONAL MARITIME UNIVERSITY: https://ayvnews.com/first-lady-gets-honorary-doctor-degree-at-regional-maritime-university/
SIERRA LEONE’S FIRST LADY RECEIVES GLOBAL “WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD”
https://salone-news.com/sierra-leones-first-lady-receives-global-award/
LAUNCHING OF THE WE ARE EQUALS CAMPAIGN: