H.E Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio First Lady Of the Republic of Sierra Leone 
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).
.
Contact:
Department of Strategic Communications
Office of The First Lady
info@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl
+232 303 68273