Office of the First Lady
Dr. Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio
First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone
The Office of the First Lady of Sierra Leone serves as a leading voice in national efforts to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and support inclusive social development. Through strategic advocacy and public engagement, the Office complements the work of government ministries and development partners, focusing on transformative change at the community and national levels.
Key Initiatives
Hands Off Our Girls
A flagship campaign launched to end rape, early marriage, and all forms of violence against women and girls. This initiative has gained national and regional recognition, and continues to influence policy and community-level interventions.
Free Sanitary Pads for Schoolgirls
A nationwide initiative providing sanitary pads to girls in public schools to promote menstrual hygiene, reduce absenteeism, and improve retention rates among adolescent girls.
Community Outreach and Education
Through town hall meetings, school visits, and grassroots dialogues, the Office engages directly with communities to raise awareness and promote behavioral change on issues affecting women and children.
Partnerships
- Government ministries and agencies
- Development partners such as UNFPA, Save the Children, and Plan International
- Civil society organizations and community leaders
- International platforms including the African Union and the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD)
The First Lady represents Sierra Leone in global forums, advocating for the rights and dignity of African women and girls. Her work continues to position Sierra Leone as a leader in gender advocacy on the continent.
As the elected President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the First Lady plays a vital leadership role in advancing continental priorities for women, children, and youth. Through OAFLAD, she joins a collective of African First Ladies working collaboratively to address key development challenges across the continent.
Focus Areas
- Protection from Gender-Based Violence
- Education for Girls
- Menstrual Hygiene and Reproductive Health
- Maternal and Child Welfare
- Advocacy for Legal and Policy Reform
- Global Engagement