Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr Fatima Bio, has reaffirmed the need to strengthen protections for women and girls against climate change and conflict following the launch of a national resilience campaign in Dakar, Senegal.
The launch of the campaign, known as “Building Resilience,” was hosted by Senegal’s First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Marie Khone Faye, with support from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and other African first ladies.
In a statement, Dr Fatima Maada Bio, president of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), commended her Senegalese counterpart for her leadership and commitment to advancing the welfare of women and girls.
She also welcomed Senegal’s decision to become the seventh country to officially join the continental initiative, describing the development as an important step toward strengthening collective efforts to address the challenges facing women and girls.
Dr Bio highlighted the significance of President Faye’s participation and the Senegalese government’s support, noting that their involvement demonstrated national commitment to making women’s and girls’ issues a priority.
She also recognised the participation of first ladies from across Africa, saying their presence reflected a shared determination to translate commitments into practical action.
During the launch, Mrs Marie Khone Faye emphasised the central role of women and girls in Africa’s development, declaring that “Africa will build nothing sustainable without women and girls.”
According to Dr Bio, the Dakar event strengthened partnerships and renewed commitments to improving women’s and girls’ health, education, safety and economic empowerment across the continent.
On behalf of OAFLAD, she expressed gratitude to the Senegalese leadership and people for their hospitality and partnership, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building a more resilient Africa where women and girls can thrive.