Fatima Bio Takes Hands Off Our Girls Campaign to Global Stage

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has presented the country’s Hands Off Our Girls campaign as a model for advancing national reforms during the 4th Annual Global First Partners Academy 2026.

Speaking at the international gathering, Dr. Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s experience in transforming the Hands Off Our Girls campaign from a national advocacy initiative into a platform that has influenced policy, legislation, and institutional reforms aimed at protecting women and girls.

According to the First Lady, her presentation focused on the journey of the campaign and the lessons it offers for driving national initiatives in complex environments through strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to reform.

She noted that the presentation underscored the importance of building broad coalitions, navigating challenges, leveraging the unique platform of a First Partner, and transforming advocacy into lasting legislative and institutional change.

“I reflected on the importance of building coalitions, navigating challenges, leveraging the unique platform of a First Partner, and transforming a campaign into lasting legislative and institutional change,” Dr. Bio stated.

The First Lady said she was deeply humbled by the positive reception her presentation received, adding that the discussions which followed reaffirmed a shared global commitment to protecting women and children, expanding opportunities for girls, and driving meaningful social change despite differing national contexts.

Dr. Bio further reaffirmed her commitment, in her capacity as President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), to sharing Africa’s experiences, learning from fellow First Partners around the world, and strengthening collective leadership to create lasting impact.

“Together, we can turn compassion into action, and action into sustainable change,” she emphasized.

The Global First Partners Academy annually brings together First Partners from across the world to exchange experiences, strengthen leadership, and explore innovative approaches to addressing pressing social and development challenges.