By Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

Former First Lady of France, Madam CéciliaAttias, has met with Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, where she commended Madam Bio for her resolve in protecting women and girls particularly through the “Hands off Our Girls” initiative.

During the meeting, Madam Bio discussed a host of initiatives she had undertaken in Sierra Leone to protect and safeguard the welfare of women and girls in Sierra Leone and the African continent. She said that the “Hands off Our Girls” initiative was to complement the efforts of the government to create a safe environment where women and men could thrive together.

She mentioned that the campaign had not only raised awareness on sexual violence but had also brought men onboard as partners in promoting the rights of women and girls in the country. Madam Bio also discussed her Free Sanitary Pad initiative, adding that the initiative of the free sanitary pads to school going girls had helped girls to promote quality and healthy hygiene practices and empowered them to be more comfortable in school during their menstrual cycle.

On her part, Madam CéciliaAttias said that she was impressed by the activities of Madam Bio and spoke of the importance of women in nation building. She assured of her support to Madam Bio and the “Hands off Our Girls” initiative. She also expressed willingness to visit Sierra Leone in the very nearest future.

Madam Cecilia Attias runs the CéciliaAttias Foundation for Women which seeks to provide a platform to champion women’s equality and wellbeing.