๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐. ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐.
In a solemn and symbolic ceremony held at the OAFLAD Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, was officially inaugurated as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). She will serve alongside Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenรงo, First Lady of Angola, who assumes the role of Vice President.
The Executive Secretary, Dr. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, and her team warmly welcomed the new leadership. The ceremony included a tour of the Secretariat and introductions to the dedicated staff who continue to drive OAFLADโs mission across the continent.
In her detailed briefing, Dr. Nardos reflected on OAFLADโs journey since its establishment in 2002, highlighting its governance structure, membership growth, strategic goals, and evolving partnerships. She also addressed the organisationโs key achievements and persistent challenges, including the ongoing constitutional review and the implementation of the Strategic Framework 2025โ2030. A financial overview was presented, reinforcing OAFLADโs commitment to transparency and accountability.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception and comprehensive orientation. She emphasised the irony of advocating for womenโs empowerment and equal rights in the absence of peace, stability, and security. Under her leadership, OAFLAD will strategically focus on todayโs most pressing global challengesโclimate change, peacebuilding, and human securityโrecognising them as essential pillars for sustainable development and gender equity.
With a clear vision and strong resolve, Her Excellency pledged to drive a bold and transformative agenda that not only builds on the legacy of #WeAreEqual but also redefines it in the context of todayโs urgent humanitarian realities.
Echoing these sentiments, Vice President Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenรงo expressed appreciation to the Secretariat and reaffirmed her commitment to working collaboratively to improve the lives of women and children throughout the African continent.
......................................................
Strategic Communications Division
Office of the First Lady,
Republic of Sierra Leone
Comments