First Lady Champions Strong Families, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection at National Conference

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has called for stronger family structures, enhanced women’s empowerment, and improved child protection systems as key pillars for national development.

She made the remarks on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown during celebrations marking the International Day of Families 2026, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare.

The First Lady joined officials at the National Families Conference, where discussions centered on the theme: “Families, Inequality, and Child Wellbeing.” She noted that the theme closely aligns with the objectives of her flagship advocacy initiative, the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign, which focuses on ending child marriage, sexual exploitation, and gender-based violence.

Dr. Bio emphasized that addressing inequality within households is essential for achieving broader national socio-economic progress. She stressed that when families are strengthened and made more equitable, communities and the nation at large become more resilient and productive.

The conference brought together policymakers, social welfare experts, and development partners who engaged in panel discussions highlighting the importance of safe and stable domestic environments. Participants underscored that strong family systems are critical in protecting vulnerable children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Speakers also emphasized that gender equality within families remains central to reducing social vulnerabilities and improving child wellbeing outcomes across Sierra Leone.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts by the government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, to prioritize family wellbeing as a key component of national development planning and social protection reforms.