My husband and I demonstrated what it truly means to lead by example. We visited our private farms at various locations in Bonthe District. We started with a symbolic harvest of hundreds of acres of rice, and thereafter visited our fish farm and livestock facilities. This is a testament to the fact that the Feed Salone Initiative requires collective responsibility. If we, as a family, can farm, every Sierra Leonean can. We must all play our individual roles in ensuring that we grow what we eat and eat what we grow. I am therefore calling on organizations, agencies, and the private sector to invest in agriculture and help make our country a food self-sufficient nation. F.M.B.

Dakar has once again shown the world the true meaning of African solidarity and leadership. Today, under the gracious hosting of my dear sister, Her Excellency Mrs. Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of Senegal, we successfully launched the national “Building Resilience” campaign — strengthening the resilience of women and girls in the face of climate change and conflict. I am deeply grateful to Her Excellency Marie Khone Faye for her warm hospitality, her powerful advocacy, and the exemplary leadership she has shown in making Senegal the seventh country to officially join this continental movement. Her clear message that “Africa will build nothing sustainable without women and girls” resonated strongly with all of us and perfectly reflects the spirit of OAFLAD. We were especially honoured by the presence and strong support of His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. His personal engagement and the full backing of the Government of Senegal send a powerful signal that the issues affecting women and girls are national priorities. The presence of sister First Ladies from across the continent further demonstrated our shared determination to turn commitment into concrete action. The launch in Dakar was a resounding success. It strengthened our collective resolve, deepened partnerships, and reaffirmed that when African First Ladies stand together, we can drive meaningful change for the health, education, safety, and economic empowerment of women and girls. On behalf of OAFLAD, I thank the people and leadership of Senegal for their exceptional hospitality and partnership. Together, we are building a more resilient Africa — one in which every woman and girl can thrive. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio President, Organisation of African First Ladies for Development First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone

I am honoured to lead the official launch of Building Resilience, a continental initiative under my leadership as President of OAFLAD. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to strengthening the resilience of women and girls in the face of climate change, conflict, and other challenges affecting their health, dignity, and livelihoods. Together, we will continue to champion practical solutions, strengthen partnerships, and advance a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. Building Resilience. Empowering Women. Transforming Lives. FMB.

I had the honour of accompanying my beloved husband as he delivered the keynote address at the opening of the Geneva Peace Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. As a former military officer who understands the true cost of conflict, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio continues to champion dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect as the foundations of lasting global stability. In his capacity as Chairman of the C10, he brings an important African voice to international discussions on peace, security, sovereignty, and cooperation. At a time of growing global uncertainty, his message is both timely and profound: “Choose peace, and choose it early.” I am immensely proud to stand beside a leader who recognises that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a shared responsibility that demands courage, wisdom, and collective action. May we choose dialogue over division, understanding over hostility, and diplomacy over confrontation, for the sake of humanity and the generations yet to come. FMB.

At The City Pavilion in Romford, I had the honour of representing my beloved husband, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, at the inauguration of the new SLPP United Kingdom and Ireland Regional Executive. My heart was filled with pride to witness our people, distinguished leaders and members of different political parties coming together in a spirit of unity and mutual respect. As a mother and First Lady, I firmly believe that although we may have different political views, we share one home and one future. The presence of members of the All People’s Congress was a powerful reminder that we can rise above our differences and put Sierra Leone first. To the newly inaugurated executive, congratulations. I urge you to lead with humility, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving our people. Let us continue to embrace one another, protect our peace and build a Sierra Leone that our children and generations yet unborn will be proud to inherit. May Allah bless our beloved nation and guide us towards greater unity and prosperity. One Country. One People. One Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱❤️ FMB

I had the profound honour of accompanying my beloved husband, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, to the Vatican, where we had the privilege of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. It was a deeply meaningful and historic moment for me as I watched my husband meet the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church with profound joy, humility, respect, and admiration. I was immensely proud to stand beside him and share in this significant moment in his life. As a Muslim woman married to a Catholic man who holds his faith and doctrine deeply dear, I have come to cherish the beauty of our shared journey. Our different religious traditions have never been a barrier to our love; rather, they have taught us the enduring values of mutual respect, understanding, tolerance, and acceptance. I proudly support my husband in his faith, just as he honours and respects mine. In our marriage, we have learned that our differences can enrich our understanding of one another and strengthen the bonds that unite us. This encounter at the Vatican was a powerful reminder that faith, at its best, should be a bridge between people and communities—not a wall that divides us. In a world that needs greater compassion, dialogue, and understanding, our shared commitment to faith, family, peace, and humanity remains a source of strength. I thank Almighty God for granting me the grace to witness this extraordinary moment and to stand beside my husband on this memorable occasion. May our lives and our example continue to affirm the timeless truth that love, respect, tolerance, and faith can bring humanity closer together. FMB

These are My thoughts and candid opinions.

When history is preserved for generations yet unborn, it becomes a beautiful gift to humanity. It was a profound honour to visit the Adams National Historical Park and see the Mende Bible on display, a powerful reminder of the historic connection between Boston, Massachusetts, and Bonthe in Sierra Leone. For us, this was far more than a visit to a place of historical significance. It was a deeply touching journey through a shared history of bravery, dedication, compassion and the enduring pursuit of freedom. Standing in a place where the stories of our Sierra Leonean compatriots who paved the way for generations to come are preserved was deeply moving. The courage of the Africans aboard the Amistad, the story of Sengbe Pieh, and the compassion and conviction associated with President John Quincy Adams all form part of a remarkable chapter in the history of the struggle for freedom and human dignity. I was especially honoured to make this visit alongside my husband, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, who himself hails from Bonthe, Sierra Leone. For both of us, the connection between Bonthe and this historic place in Massachusetts carries a very special meaning. To see a piece of our heritage preserved here, allowing people from across the world to learn, reflect and remember, is truly touching. We honour those who came before us, whose courage opened doors for generations yet unborn. Their stories remind us that the pursuit of freedom, dignity and justice transcends borders and generations. From Boston to Bonthe, this history continues to connect our peoples. With gratitude, pride and love for Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱 FMB

Last night, I had the pleasure of going to support my dear brother and friend, Shadi, at the Africell UNGA81 side event in New York. Africell has been a true partner in the work we have done for women and girls in Sierra Leone. From the very first day we launched Hands Off Our Girls, Africell stood with us, believing in the vision and supporting our efforts to protect, empower and give a voice to our girls. That kind of partnership goes beyond business. It is about shared values, commitment and a genuine belief in the future of our young people. I want to sincerely thank Shadi and the entire Africell family for standing with me and my office from day one. Your continued support has helped us take the message of Hands Off Our Girls from Sierra Leone to the global stage. As we continue this journey, I look forward to strengthening our partnership and doing even more for women, girls and communities across Sierra Leone and Africa. Thank you, Africell, for standing with us. FMB

Sierra Leone Ready to Welcome West Africa and the World for WAIIS 2026 It was an honour to stand alongside His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly as he launched the countdown to the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS), which will take place in Freetown this November. I was proud to be there to support President Bio as Sierra Leone prepares to welcome Heads of State, investors, development partners, business leaders and other key stakeholders to our country. WAIIS is much more than a summit. It is an opportunity for Sierra Leone to position itself at the heart of West Africa’s economic and investment agenda, while opening doors for partnerships, investment and opportunities that can directly contribute to the prosperity of our people. With its focus on energy, strategic minerals, agribusiness and digital transformation, the Summit speaks directly to the future we want for Sierra Leone and our region—one driven by investment, innovation, regional cooperation, job creation and inclusive economic growth. As Sierra Leone gets ready to welcome the world to Freetown, I am confident that WAIIS will provide an important platform to showcase our country’s potential and strengthen partnerships that can translate into tangible opportunities for our people. Sierra Leone is ready. Freetown is ready. Africa is ready. FMB

Honoured Among Icons: A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been recognised as an Iconic Woman of the Year at the UNGA81 Powerlist Honours in New York. To receive this recognition during the United Nations General Assembly is a privilege I accept with immense gratitude—not only as First Lady of Sierra Leone, but as a woman committed to using her voice and platform to advance the lives of women and girls, both in Sierra Leone and across Africa. What makes this moment particularly special is the privilege of being honoured alongside three remarkable women who have served their nations at the highest level: H.E. Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, former President of the Republic of Malawi; H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of the Republic of Mauritius; and H.E. Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, former President of the Republic of Ecuador. Standing in the company of such distinguished women is a reminder that leadership is not simply about the positions we hold, but about the lives we touch, the doors we open for others, and the legacy we leave behind. My own journey has always been deeply connected to the voices of women and girls. From Hands Off Our Girls and the fight against child marriage and gender-based violence, to advancing girls’ education, women’s health, empowerment and dignity, I believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to determine the course of her own life. I dedicate this recognition to the women and girls of Sierra Leone, Africa and beyond whose courage continues to inspire my work. I remain grateful to everyone who continues to believe in the power of women’s leadership and to those who walk alongside me in this journey. With gratitude, humility and renewed determination. FMB

At the Clinton Global Initiative, I had the privilege of sharing my perspective on the future we are creating for our children and the responsibility we all carry to ensure that no child is left behind in a rapidly changing world. I spoke about the importance of digital safety and the urgent need to protect our children as technology becomes an increasingly central part of their education, development, and everyday lives. But protection must go hand in hand with opportunity. Africa must not simply be a consumer of technologies, policies, and ideas developed elsewhere. We must be partners in the conversations, the planning, the innovation, the invention, and the decision-making that shape our digital future. Africa has extraordinary young talent, creativity, and ingenuity. Our young people have solutions, and they deserve to be given the opportunity to help design the future—not simply receive it. The safety of our children is a shared global responsibility. It requires governments, technology leaders, educators, parents, civil society, and young innovators to work together across borders and continents. My message at CGI was simple: Africa must have a seat at the table, our children must be protected, and collaboration must be at the heart of building a safer and more inclusive digital future. FMB

At the Clinton Global Initiative, I had the privilege of sharing my perspective on the future we are creating for our children and the responsibility we all carry to ensure that no child is left behind in a rapidly changing world. I spoke about the importance of digital safety and the urgent need to protect our children as technology becomes an increasingly central part of their education, development, and everyday lives. But protection must go hand in hand with opportunity. Africa must not simply be a consumer of technologies, policies, and ideas developed elsewhere. We must be partners in the conversations, the planning, the innovation, the invention, and the decision-making that shape our digital future. Africa has extraordinary young talent, creativity, and ingenuity. Our young people have solutions, and they deserve to be given the opportunity to help design the future—not simply receive it. The safety of our children is a shared global responsibility. It requires governments, technology leaders, educators, parents, civil society, and young innovators to work together across borders and continents. My message at CGI was simple: Africa must have a seat at the table, our children must be protected, and collaboration must be at the heart of building a safer and more inclusive digital future. FMB

When we talk about digital safety for our children, we must take the conversation seriously. The digital world is evolving rapidly, and while it creates tremendous opportunities for our children, it also exposes them to risks that require urgent and collective action. I had the privilege of addressing world leaders and key stakeholders in the digital space at the United Nations, where I called for Africa to be fully included in the planning, innovation, development, and implementation of solutions that shape our digital future. Africa cannot continue to be viewed only as a recipient of concepts, technologies, and products developed elsewhere. We have the talent, creativity, knowledge, and innovation to contribute meaningfully to the global digital agenda. Our people must be in the room when decisions are being made about the future of our digital space. Most importantly, our children deserve a digital environment that protects their dignity, privacy, education, wellbeing, and safety. No child should have to choose between accessing the opportunities of technology and being protected from its dangers. This requires genuine collaboration—governments, technology companies, educators, parents, civil society, young innovators, and international institutions working together, with Africa not at the table as an afterthought, but as an equal partner. Our children are the future. Their safety must be at the heart of every digital conversation, and Africa must be part of shaping that future. FMB

Serving my continent as President of OAFLAD has been one of the greatest honours and responsibilities of my life. Yesterday, at the Ford Foundation, I had the privilege of hosting some of the great women and men of our continent—leaders who have served as the mothers and fathers of their respective nations. We came together not simply to reflect on where we have been, but to look honestly at the progress we have made, the challenges that remain, and, most importantly, the legacy we want to build for OAFLAD. Leadership is not only about the position we hold today. It is about what we leave behind for those who will come after us. It is about building institutions that can continue to serve our people long after our individual terms and titles have ended. OAFLAD represents a unique platform where African First Ladies can use their collective voice, influence and experience to advance issues that directly affect the lives of women, children and families across our continent. From women’s and girls’ health to education, economic empowerment, climate resilience, gender equality and the protection of our children, our work must remain firmly rooted in the realities of African communities. As President, I believe our responsibility is to strengthen this institution, deepen partnerships across Africa and beyond, and create a legacy of meaningful action—not merely words. We must continue to listen to our people, learn from one another and build bridges between governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector and the next generation of African leaders. The conversations at the Ford Foundation reminded me that Africa’s greatest strength is found in its people, its resilience and its ability to come together around a shared purpose. I am deeply grateful to every leader who continues to lend their wisdom, experience and voice to this journey. Together, we have an opportunity to shape an OAFLAD that is stronger, more united and even more impactful for generations to come. For me, this presidency is not simply an honour. It is a responsibility to serve, to listen, to build and to leave a legacy that makes a difference. Africa is our home. Its women and children are our responsibility. And the future we build together will be our greatest legacy. FMB President, OAFLAD

I had a very productive and meaningful meeting with my dear mother, Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, where we discussed the timeline and progress of our important hospital project in Bo, Sierra Leone. This 150-bed pediatric hospital, being built in partnership with TİKA, is a significant investment in the health and future of Sierra Leone’s children. For me, this project is deeply personal because it speaks directly to my commitment to ensuring that no child in Sierra Leone is denied quality healthcare simply because of where they are born. The hospital will serve children and families in Bo and communities across the Southern Region, while strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to provide specialized pediatric care closer to home. It is a project that represents hope, dignity and a better future for our children. I am profoundly grateful to my dear mother, Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, and to the Government and people of Türkiye for their love, friendship and continued support to Sierra Leone. The partnership between our two nations is a beautiful example of how international friendship can translate into tangible opportunities and better lives for our people. For Sierra Leone, this is more than a hospital. It is an investment in our children, an investment in our families, and an investment in the future of our nation. With love and commitment to the people of Sierra Leone. FMB

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It was a great pleasure having a meaningful meeting with the leadership of Plan International, where we discussed some of the critical issues affecting women, girls and children across Africa. Our conversation focused on the importance of protecting the rights of girls, investing in their education and wellbeing, and strengthening partnerships that can create sustainable opportunities for the next generation. I deeply value partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to ensuring that every girl can grow up safe, educated, empowered and free to fulfil her potential. There is still much work to be done, and collaboration remains key to achieving lasting change. FMB

Yesterday, I had the great privilege of articulating my vision for Sierra Leone and Africa at Harvard Medical School and MIT. For me, this was more than an address—it was an opportunity to bring Africa’s voice, experiences and solutions to two of the world’s leading institutions. It reaffirmed my belief that our advocacy for women’s health, the wellbeing of children and girls, education, and the elimination of child, early and forced marriage must continue to reach every corner of the world. Africa must not only be part of the global conversation; we must help shape it. FMB

I had the distinct honour of delivering a landmark public lecture at the 2026 Global Health Catalyst Summit, hosted by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Standing before two of the world’s most renowned institutions of education and innovation, I spoke about the urgent need to place women’s health at the centre of global health, and why meaningful collaboration with Africa is essential to building a healthier and more equitable world. For me, this moment is not only a personal honour; it is a reflection of the voices, experiences and aspirations of women and girls across Africa and beyond. I remain deeply committed to building bridges between Africa and the global health community, because when we invest in women’s health, we invest in families, communities and the future of our world. FMB