OAFLAD Empowers African Women Leaders Through Strategic Programs

OAFLAD Empowers African Women Leaders Through Strategic Programs

The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), under the stewardship of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, is implementing decisive measures to empower women and girls throughout Africa. These initiatives encompass strategic organizational reforms, targeted capacity building programs, and focused youth engagement.

During the 30th OAFLAD General Assembly, Dr. Bio underscored the organization's unwavering commitment to achieving measurable impact for women and girls, stating that their empowerment is "not optional; it is our duty." She formally welcomed new members and interns to the OAFLAD Secretariat, reinforcing the organization's operational strength across the continent.

Dr. Nardos Berhanu, representing the Secretariat, presented key operational priorities aimed at enhancing organizational efficiency, staff capability, and global cooperation. This presentation highlighted OAFLAD’s participation in the Global First Partners Academy, which convened 15 First Ladies and leaders from 13 countries, including former leaders, to exchange best practices for sustained impact and legacy development. Furthermore, technical advisors participated in specialized training with the Global First Ladies Alliance to facilitate the intercontinental sharing of expertise.

Youth engagement was a prominent theme, featuring interactive sessions that enabled adolescent girls to participate in discussions and pose questions concerning issues affecting their lives. OAFLAD’s interventions were also showcased at significant Pan-African forums, including CPHIA 2025, ICASA 2025, and the 4th African Girls Summit, emphasizing leadership, education, and health opportunities for girls.

Dr. Berhanu also provided updates on the continued implementation of OAFLAD’s 2025–2030 strategic framework, including the production and dissemination of multilingual publications to broaden access to and awareness of OAFLAD’s programs. This effort received support from partners, such as the First Lady of Angola, ensuring the wider reach of OAFLAD’s initiatives.

Reflecting on the organization's mission, Dr. Bio remarked, “Our leadership must generate real impact. The strength and resilience of African women inform everything we undertake.” Through operational restructuring, capacity development initiatives, and international partnerships, OAFLAD is strategically positioned to equip a new generation of women leaders with the necessary skills, networks, and knowledge to drive transformational change across Africa.