The President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and First Lady of the Republic Of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio has described serving in the role as one of the greatest honours and responsibilities of her life, following a gathering at the Ford Foundation with some of the continent’s most prominent former and sitting leaders.
The event brought together men and women who have served as the mothers and fathers of their respective nations, coming together not simply to reflect on the past but to take an honest look at OAFLAD’s progress, the challenges still ahead, and the legacy the organisation aims to build.
In remarks following the gathering, the President said leadership is defined not only by the position one holds, but by what is left behind for those who come after. “It is about building institutions that can continue to serve our people long after our individual terms and titles have ended,” she said.
She described OAFLAD as a unique platform through which African First Ladies can pool their collective voice, influence and experience to advance issues directly affecting women, children and families across the continent. From women’s and girls’ health, education and economic empowerment to climate resilience, gender equality and child protection. She stressed that this work must remain firmly grounded in the realities of African communities.
As President, she said her responsibility is to strengthen the institution, deepen partnerships across Africa and beyond and build a legacy of meaningful action rather than words alone. That, she added, means continuing to listen to communities, learn from fellow leaders, and build bridges between governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector and the next generation of African leaders.
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Reflecting on the discussions at the Ford Foundation, she said they reaffirmed that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its people, their resilience, and their capacity to unite around a shared purpose.
She expressed deep gratitude to every leader who continues to contribute their wisdom, experience and voice to the initiative, saying it presents an opportunity to shape an OAFLAD that is stronger, more united and more impactful for generations to come.
“This presidency is not simply an honour. It is a responsibility to serve, to listen, to build and to leave a legacy that makes a difference,” she said. “Africa is our home. Its women and children are our responsibility. And the future we build together will be our greatest legacy.”
