AYV News, May 28, 2025
The Commonwealth has requested Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, to lead the formation of the Commonwealth First Ladies Unit that aids consensus on Global issues.
Accepting the request, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said, “Today, we paid a visit to the current Commonwealth Secretary General,Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in London. During our visit, she tasked me with championing the formation of Commonwealth First Ladies as a unit, ensuring that we have a common position on global issues. I received numerous accolades for my fight against child marriage in Sierra Leone and the successes achieved through the Hands Off Our Girls campaign globally. The discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration among First Ladies to address pressing challenges. The initiative aims to unify efforts across member states, fostering a stronger voice on international platforms”.
In February this year, Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, was elected President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) at the 29th General Assembly held during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
She will serve a two-year mandate, following a closely contested election against Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Her Excellency Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola, was elected as Vice President of OAFLAD.
The Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) was established in 2002 as the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) to provide a united voice for Africa’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children affected by HIV and AIDS.
Under the leadership of Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, OAFLAD is poised to further its mission of empowering women and girls across Africa, building on her legacy of advocacy and commitment to social development.
