AYV News, October 8, 2025
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, and former Vice President of Liberia, Her Excellency Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, are slated to headline this year’s Tenth Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum, held from 10th to 14th October 2025.
With the official opening ceremony set at the Sierra Leone Parliament, the event promises to be a powerful platform championing girls’ leadership, education, and empowerment.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has been serving as First Lady of Sierra Leone since 2018. She is deeply committed to the rights and welfare of women and girls, particularly through her campaign “Hands Off Our Girls”, which addresses child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and education.
She also holds the position of President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where she works on continental advocacy for women’s and girls’ issues.
Her Excellency Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia, known for her long-standing advocacy for women’s education, leadership, and empowerment, will act as Distinguished Guest of Honour at the Forum.
The National Girls Empowerment Forum is organised annually by the Kids Advocacy Network (KAN). Over its ten years, it has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s leading events promoting the empowerment of young women and girls from across the country and beyond through mentorship, training, leadership skills, and intergenerational dialogue.
This year’s program includes:
•Training sessions and panel discussions on leadership, self-esteem, adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, entrepreneurship, and advocacy skills.
•A symbolic sports event (a football match and other games) between girls from the provinces and those from Freetown, aimed to promote unity and sisterhood.
•Cultural exhibitions, talent performances, and tours celebrating Sierra Leone’s diversity and the creativity of its young women.
