#HandsoffOurGirlsGoesNationWide.

By George Sesay on October 16, 2019 in Uncategorized

First Lady Calls for Poverty Eradication through Education.

By George Sesay on October 16, 2019 in Uncategorized

The first Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E Fatima Maada Bio has called on girls at…Read More

Kono District Emmbraces Hands off our Girls Campaign

By George Sesay on October 14, 2019 in Uncategorized

Her Excellency the first Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, in continuation of creating the awareness…Read More

PROTECTING AND EDUCATING OUR GIRLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

By George Sesay on October 04, 2019 in Uncategorized

H. E. FATIMA MAADA BIO HOLDS BILATERAL MEETING WITH H.E. EMINE ERDOGAN , FIRST LADY OF TURKEY.

First Lady Bio has bilateral meeting with First Lady Emine Erdogan of TurkeyHer Excellency Fatima Maada Bio and her delegation from Sierra Leone met with H.E. Emine Erdogan, the First Lady of Turkey. First Lady Ms Bio is the West African representative of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development( OAFLAD). The bilateral meeting took place on the margins of the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA – 25th-30th September) in New York.She said it was a great honour meeting her mentor. Madame Erdogan is of the firm belief that ““Humanitarian assistance is always based on preserving human dignity.” Turkey is “referred to as the most generous country of the world with governmental institutions as well as civil society organizations.” Turkey is “currently the biggest humanitarian donor of the world considering the ratio of its humanitarian aid to gross national product.” They shared a laugh when First Lady introduced Hon. Rosemary Bangura, a Parliamentarian from the opposition party APC in Sierra Leone as part of the delegation, Turkey’s first Lady said "this is Democracy at work". First Lady Madam Erdogan said to further collaborate with Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone should have an Embassy in Turkey . They had a discourse about Sierra Leone’s recently amended sexual offences act, triggered by President Bio’s declaration of an Emergency on rape.The team from Turkey said jail sentence for rape has it’s challenges. Turkey extended the scope of intervention concerning rape to include anger management programmes, rehabilitation centres for both victims and perpetrators. They went on to say education from an early age is key to reducing Gender based violence. So Turkey has put programmes in place to sensitise the people to have a new mindset. The goal of governance is not to criminalise it’s citizens, but to create a society where every one can live to their full potentialTraditional beliefs and tradition affects the peoples attitude towards Gender Based Violence . They said Turkey has robust programme for the training of religious leaders. And they are hosting African Muslim Summit in Istanbul in November. First Lady Erdogan spoke about her African Culture House and Handicrafts Market, in Ankara’s historical neighbourhood of Hamamönü. Which she says "is an expression of our sensitivity about women’s problems without any discrimination of religion, language or race, and an indication of our fraternity.” She said.

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, September 25, 2019

H. E. Fatima Maada Bio talks to the BBC on Circumcision

H. E. Fatima Maada Bio talks to the BBC on Circumcision

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Monday, June 17, 2019

First Lady of Sierra Leone talks on Zero Gender Based Violence in Tokyo

First Lady of Sierra Leone talks on Zero Gender Based Violence in Tokyo

First Ladies Sign Declaration on Gender-based Violence Prevention and response. Members of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OFLAD), on August 28, 2019, in a High level event focused on “Zero gender-based violence for Africa’s future: Together we can”, signed a declaration of commitment on Gender-based violence prevention and response. The declaration is in line First Lady Bio’s #HandsOffOurGirls campaign . In February this year OFLAD broadened it’s mandate, from focusing on just HIV/AIDS to concentrating on the development of Africa. This is in line with First Lady Bio’s vision for First Ladies to deal with issues that affect the continent and develop positive programmes, based on consultation with the people it affects directly. .OFLAD are strongly convinced that prevention of, and response to, gender based violence (GBV) and other harmful practices are essential to bridge gender gaps, generate a lasting impact on poverty and support sustainable economic growth and social well-being that benefits everyone. For women to play an equal role in sustainable development, peace and security, they must be kept free from violence and represented politically and economically at al levels of decision making. .In her statement, First Lady Bio said she narrowly escaped forced marriage. Advocating for the rights of women to her, is personal, and she started as a teenager . She went on to say “As First Ladies we have a platform to make a change”. Emphasis was placed on the involvement of men, adolescents, religious and community leaders in the fight against gender-based violence and other practices such as early and forced marriage . . The High Level event was co-organised by UNFPA and the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OFLAD) in collaboration with the African Union. Held at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7)..

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Ramadan Mubarak from H. E. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone

Ramadan Mubarak. Wishing the good people of Sierra Leone peace, this Holy month and always. May Allah answer our prayers. .H. E. Fatima Maada BioFirst Lady of Sierra Leone

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Monday, May 6, 2019

Sierra Leone say #Hands Off Our Girls

Sierra Leone say #Hands Off Our Girls

Hands Off Our Girls: Teenage Pregnancy & Early Marriage

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Sunday, December 9, 2018

FIRST LADY SPEECH: HAND’S OFF OUR GIRLS AT BINTUMANI AUDITORIUM

SPEECH OF GHANA FIRST LADY : HAND’S OFF OUR GIRLS AT BINTUMANI AUDITORIUM

SPEECH OF LIBERIA FIRST LADY : HAND’S OFF OUR GIRLS AT BINTUMANI AUDITORIUM

#HandsOffOurGirls … Early Marriage

#HandsOffOurGirls … Early Marriage

Early Marriage must stop…Full stop

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Friday, December 7, 2018

End Child Marriage in Sierra Leone Now

End Child Marriage in Sierra Leone Now

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Sunday, December 9, 2018

#HandsOffOurGirls – Sierra Leone

#HandsOffOurGirls – Sierra Leone

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 12, 2018

First Lady speech at the Sierra Leonean community gathering in the Gambia

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/12/04/female-genital-mutilation-ban-struck-down-federal-judge-barbaric-column/2155001002/

First Lady speech at the Sierra Leonean community gathering in the Gambia

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Monday, February 25, 2019

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

H.E The First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio Speech on Sexual Gender Base ViolenceEND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS#Hearmetoo

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Merck Africa Asia Luminary: Speech by H. E. Fatima Maada Bio. The First lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Merck Africa Asia Luminary: Speech by H. E. Fatima Maada Bio. The First lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone

"It was great meeting Her Excellency First Lady of Sierra Leone ,and my new friend Madam Fatima Bio , to discuss our partnership to build healthcare capacity in oncology, Diabetes , Fertility care. She gracefully accepted to be the Merck more than a Mother Ambassador to empower infertile women through media and art with the aim to sensitize our communities to break the stigma of infertility and raise awareness about make infertility. Stay tuned. There will many news to come soon. "- Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation.

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Friday, November 16, 2018

Tackling Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone

“Teenage pregnancy reduces a girl’s chances in life, often interfering with schooling, limiting opportunities, and placing girls at increased risk of child marriage, HIV infections and domestic violence.”

Tackling Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone

"Teenage pregnancy reduces a girl’s chances in life, often interfering with schooling, limiting opportunities, and placing girls at increased risk of child marriage, HIV infections and domestic violence."https://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sierraleone_100861.html

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, November 14, 2018

First Lady calls for Wildlife Protection.

First Lady calls for Wildlife Protection

First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio calls for Wildlife ProtectionBy George Sesay The first Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Mrs Fatima Maada Bio has called on neighboring countries to work with Sierra Leone in protecting the lives of elephants in the continent. She made this call at the the International wildlife conference held in London.Delivering her speech Mrs Fatima Bio said Sierra Leone is a country that has more elephants than what the country can account for. She stated that the country has not been able to fully account for the number of elephants the country has, which according to her is as a result of the lack of required capacity to fully assess the situation of elephants in the country.She mentioned that the administration of His Excellency Julius Maada Bio is determined to put an end to illegal wildlife trade in Sierra Leone. She maintained that the new direction administration is committed to empowering the National Protected Area Authority for the overall supervision and protection of all National packs and other protected area including the Gola forest."We believe the employment of more rangers has helped protect the elephant population and other wildlife species." She added She asked for support in order for the country to undertake a survey that will determine Sierra Leone's elephant population.Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio concluded that she is ready to stand and work with Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) and other elephant co-operations around the world, and that every life matter.The EPI consultative Group meeting has been one of the highlight of the illegal wildlife trade conference that is geared towards protecting wildlife species.It has been reported that 20,000 elephants are killed each year in Africa, and it is believed that if it continue elephants will be wiped out completely in a decade or two.#ENDWILDLIFECRIMEBBC Media Action Sierra LeoneBBC NewsUKWildCampingCommonwealth Wildlife ManagementUNICEFUNICEF UKUnicef Sierra LeoneSave the Children USFoxNewsCNN ChileCNN Africa

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Keynote address by First Lady Bio at OIC conference at Burkina Fasso.

Keynote address by First Lady Bio at OIC conference @ Burkina Fasso

"This is the time to re-write our own history, and make a difference in our continent. We have lived behind for far too long. God has blessed our generation with great opportunities, we need to take advantage of that now , and make a difference"- H. E. Fatima Maada Bio . Extract form her keynote address at the The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) high-level regional event themed: Promoting cancer awareness and advocacy programs in its 27 OIC African Member States.

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Monday, August 6, 2018

National Cleaning Exercise

National Cleaning Exercise

The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within a clean environment. When the environment is physically clean, it affects the psyche of the people positively..One a national level, the Cleaning Exercise is to make us work together as one people with a new vision, heading in a new direction. .The new direction, is a clean direction. Every facet of the country must be clean. The beautiful thing about the exercise is, we are doing it together. The responsibility to clean up Sierra Leone, is the responsibility of everyone. It is something to be proud of..Mama Salone must be beautiful and clean again. We have a government with the positive political will for this to be achieved. We see the beautiful people of Sierra Leone, working together regardless of party affiliation, to clean. Together we will restore the glory of our great republic..Director of Strategic CommunicationsOffice of the First Lady +232 303 68273

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Saturday, July 7, 2018

First Lady Fatima Bio addresses the United Nations, Geneva.

First Lady Fatima Bio addresses the United Nations, Geneva.

H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, delivered a speech today at the United Nations Headquarters at Geneva Switzerland.The conference "Girls with no name" is an unapologetic look on the issue of child prostitution in West Africa, using Sierra Leone as a case study..The First Lady in her speech, did not mince words and spoke objectively about the subject. She said sometimes these kids provide for their families through prostitution. This is absolutely not the responsibility of a child, but it is a social reality we face today..As depraved as it may seem, sometimes parents introduce their kids to prostitution. 10 years of civill war, and the Ebola epidemic did not help matters. Child prostitution is a taboo subject. But she as the First Lady is ready to be the voice..Our First Lady further went on to say:"Women & Children are often the poorest and most marginalised. Many are illiterate and unskilled. Issues of sexual abuse continues to be areas of concern.As First Lady and someone passionate about women and children, I will use my position to bring awareness to the international community about the plight of my country. I have no budget of my own for programmes that will help to better the lives of these honourable people. I am here to learn, and find a solution.I have no authority to make or pass laws . Don Bosco Fambul is an organisation that is visibly helping in it's little way in Sierra Leone. I have vowed to highlight the plight of our vulnerable children in my country.I am here today, calling on everyone here present, to consider, and seriously look into Sierra Leone.”.Our First Lady went on to outline the benefits of the free education programme in the fight against child prostitution. The new direction goes beyond talking about societal ills, but actually embarking on workable "solution based" programmes..Director of Strategic CommuicationsOffice of the First Lady +232 303 68273BBC News BBC News Africa Al Jazeera Channel – قناة الجزيرة Al Jazeera English Fox News FOX CNN International CNN The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation – SLBC Radio & TV SLBC TV AYV News Fatima Jabbe Maada Bio@kKing Gee Fatima Jabbe Maada Bio Phylis Kapu Save the Future Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Red Cross Society

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, July 4, 2018

FIRST LADY ATTENDS 7TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

FIRST LADY ATTENDS 7TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

FIRST LADY ATTENDS 7TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT (TICAD 7) FIRST SPOUSES PROGRAMME..On Thursday, August 29, 2019, First Ladies from Africa met at Sankeien Garden, for TICAD7 First Spouses Programme. They were hosted by Mrs. Akie Abe, spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan. The programme started with a round table discussion. This was unique because First Ladies were asked to share their activities or projects in their countries and exchange ideas about the role of First Spouses in developing Africa. .First Lady Fatima Bio is in agreement with this consultative approach to development as opposed to programmes being imposed on African countries. She stated that proper consultation, led to effective home-grown programmes. Her #HandsOffOurGirls campaign is a testament to that. .After the roundtable discussion, the First Ladies moved to have Traditional Japanese Lunch . They had a short break where traditional manner and utensils associated with the tea ceremony was explained. The tea ceremony that followed was a beautiful, with First Ladies being served the best of Chinese tea. They then went on to the cultural aspect of the programme. They experienced Japanese culture through music performance , and Kimono: the Chinese traditional dress. .The programme achieved the objective of First Ladies learning and experiencing Japanese culture, more importantly it provided an opportunity to deepen exchanges among the First Ladies and better corporation with Japan. .Contact:Department of Strategic CommunicationsOffice of The First Ladyinfo@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl+232 303 68273.**LAND THAT WE LOVE OUR SIERRA LEONE**

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Thursday, August 29, 2019

Market Women take centre stage in Sierra Leone

Market Women take centre stage in Sierra Leone

MARKET WOMEN TAKE CENTRE STAGE, AS THEY LAUNCH NAMSECPresident Julius Maada Bio launched the National Market Women secretariat NAMSEC and fund raising program at the Bintumani Conference Hall at Aberdeen in Freetown, on Sunday 28th July..The National Market Women secretariat NAMSEC is an Initiative organised by the Market women of the republic of Sierra Leone . H. E. Fatima Maada Bio, recognising the pivotal role market women plan in our economy gave them her full support..Delivering his Key Note address , His Excellency Rtd, Big. Julius Maada Bio, outlined the importance of women in society, which according to President Bio is most times taken for granted or not even recognized..H.E Bio admonished the market women to invest in their children, as they are their greatest asset, who will benefit their families and the nation. He said his government is committed in ensuring the free quality education is of benefit to every child irrespective of tribe, region or political affiliation..According to President Bio, women are bread winners in most homes, hence should be should be capacitated, His Excellency made it clear, his obligation is to every Sierra Leonean..His Excellency encouraged the market women to embrace peace and unity and pay keen attention to his delivery on the promises he made during election. Most politicians make empty promises, but his government is committed to making Sierra Leone a safe haven before the end of his term in office..Speaking on behalf of the market women, First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio thanked President Julius Maada Bio for making the issues of Market women and their launching and fundraising ceremony his top most priority..Madam Fatima Maada Bio disclosed the free medical facility for school children, which the market women have not been utilizing, while taking them through the processes involved in accessing the facility provided by the government through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation..First Lady laid emphasis on the life insurance policy plan that africell has introduced and its importance, stating Africell’s has paid out over 1 million dollar of the policy holders. She promised a whole new system of Micro credit, that’ll be organised by the Secretariat..She underscored the importance of the having a hygienic and user friendly market place which she promised to work with them on through NAMSEC. Madam First Lady concluded by encouraging other market women to register their markets with the National Market Women secretariat (NAMSEC)..The Women Leader of NAMSEC, Ms. Kadie Winner, stated some of the challenges they faced, but were ready to do what it takes to solve these problems together..Other Highlights of the event include, the fundraising session that was championed by the chief minister, professor David Francis and chief of staff at the office of the first lady Shek Salim Fieka..Strategic Communication DivisionOffice of The First Ladyinfo@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl+232 303 68273https://firstlady.gov.sl.Click link belowhttps://www.facebook.com/FatimaMaadaBio/

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, July 30, 2019

President & First Lady arrive at Launch of NAMSEC Sierra Leone

President & First Lady arrive at Launch of NAMSEC Sierra Leone

MARKET WOMEN TAKE CENTRE STAGE, AS THEY LAUNCH NAMSEC.President Julius Maada Bio launched the National Market Women secretariat NAMSEC and fund raising program at the Bintumani Conference Hall at Aberdeen in Freetown, on Sunday 28th July..The National Market Women secretariat NAMSEC is an Initiative organised by the Market women of the republic of Sierra Leone . H. E. Fatima Maada Bio, recognising the pivotal role market women plan in our economy gave them her full support..Delivering his Key Note address , His Excellency Rtd, Big. Julius Maada Bio, outlined the importance of women in society, which according to President Bio is most times taken for granted or not even recognized..H.E Bio admonished the market women to invest in their children, as they are their greatest asset, who will benefit their families and the nation. He said his government is committed in ensuring the free quality education is of benefit to every child irrespective of tribe, region or political affiliation..According to President Bio, women are bread winners in most homes, hence should be should be capacitated, His Excellency made it clear, his obligation is to every Sierra Leonean..His Excellency encouraged the market women to embrace peace and unity and pay keen attention to his delivery on the promises he made during election. Most politicians make empty promises, but his government is committed to making Sierra Leone a safe haven before the end of his term in office..Speaking on behalf of the market women, First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio thanked President Julius Maada Bio for making the issues of Market women and their launching and fundraising ceremony his top most priority..Madam Fatima Maada Bio disclosed the free medical facility for school children, which the market women have not been utilizing, while taking them through the processes involved in accessing the facility provided by the government through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation..First Lady laid emphasis on the life insurance policy plan that africell has introduced and its importance, stating Africell’s has paid out over 1 million dollar of the policy holders. She promised a whole new system of Micro credit, that’ll be organised by the Secretariat..She underscored the importance of the having a hygienic and user friendly market place which she promised to work with them on through NAMSEC. Madam First Lady concluded by encouraging other market women to register their markets with the National Market Women secretariat (NAMSEC)..The Women Leader of NAMSEC, Ms. Kadie Winner, stated some of the challenges they faced, but were ready to do what it takes to solve these problems together..Other Highlights of the event include, the fundraising session that was championed by the chief minister, professor David Francis and chief of staff at the office of the first lady Shek Salim Fieka..Strategic Communication DivisionOffice of The First Ladyinfo@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl+232 303 68273https://firstlady.gov.sl.Click link belowhttps://www.facebook.com/FatimaMaadaBio/

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Monday, July 29, 2019

SHE'S YOU

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio First Lady Of the Republic of Sierra Leone Grace Creative Women Summit 2019.

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Thursday, June 27, 2019

First Lady Fatima Bio’s speech at JMB Womens Wing conference in the UK.

First Lady Fatima Bio's speech at JMB Womens Wing conference in the UK.

JMBWW STANDS FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE AND THE PROGRESS OF MAMA SALONE.JMB women (Julius Maada Bio Womens Wing) came together to ensure Sierra Leone was governed properly to reach it’s full potential for the benefit of the people. JMBWW chose to support President Bio, because he sold his vision to them, and they believed he is destined to lead Sierra Leone to become the proverbial promised land. .JMB Womens Wing, sacrificed time and money to ensure President Bio was the next leader. They had unflinching faith, and a rugged determination to do whatever was required to bring positive change to Sierra Leone. With a combination of campaigning on ground, supporting financially and multi faith prayers, Rt. Brig. General Julius Maada Bio won the presidential election and was declared President of Sierra Leone..20th April 2019, JMB Womens Wing UK & Ireland came together in the UK to celebrate the First Year of the New Direction under the leadership of President Bio. It is no secret that the JMBWW were one of the biggest financial contributors to the campaign of their President. .As Sierra Leone is ushered into a new dawn of positive change, Fist Lady in her statement said it is time for loyalty to the Green, White and Blue flag. It is time to rise above partisan politics and put Sierra Leone first. President Bio has the people of Sierra Leone at heart, and we pray and support his vision for great Sierra Leone. . Strategic Communication DivisionOffice of The First Ladyinfo@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl+232 303 68273https://firstlady.gov.sl.Click link belowhttps://www.facebook.com/FatimaMaadaBio/

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Sunday, April 21, 2019

President Bio on democratic accountability

President Bio on democratic accountability

"Monies meant for the people, MUST benefit the people" – Visionary President Bio of Sierra Leone

Posted by Office Of The First Lady, Republic Of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, April 2, 2019

H. E. Fatima Maada Bio receives Warrior Award in California

President Bio declares Rape and Sexual violence a National Emergency.

History is made as First Ladies join peaceful protest in Freetown

ECOWAS Vice-President meets with First Lady Fatima Bio to Launch the

First Lady unveil International Medical Centre

FIRST LADY, H.E. MADAM FATIMA MAADA BIO ROBED AS HONORARY FELLOW OF THE WEST AFRICAN COLLEGE OF NURSING.

First Lady Meets with U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone

First Lady Attends Centenary Remembrance Day Commemoration

FIRST LADY CALLS FOR SMALL STAR-UP LOANS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED CANCER CARE CENTRE IN SIERRA LEONE.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

First Lady honoured

HIV / AIDS prevention and control conference in China

OIC Cancer Awareness & advocacy programme ceremonial tree planting. The event is to commemorate the declaration signed by member states.

#HandsoffOurGirlsGoesNationWide.

First Lady Calls for Poverty Eradication through Education.

Kono District Emmbraces Hands off our Girls Campaign

PROTECTING AND EDUCATING OUR GIRLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.