Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), joined her Sister First Ladies from across Africa to commemorate the transformative impact of the Hands Off Our Girls campaign in Sierra Leone. The gathering served as a powerful moment of reflection on a movement that has reshaped national conversations around the protection, dignity, and rights of women and girls.
Launched seven years ago, the Hands Off Our Girls campaign has been pivotal in raising awareness about the devastating consequences of rape and early marriage—harmful practices that were once normalized, but are now firmly rejected by society and addressed through the law. The initiative has played a critical role in shifting mindsets, strengthening advocacy, and reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to safeguarding its most vulnerable citizens.
Central to the campaign’s success has been its inclusive, grassroots-driven approach. By engaging local musicians, motorbike riders, market women, religious leaders, and drivers, the message reached communities far and wide. The participation of talented artists, who used their voices and platforms to amplify the campaign’s message, further underscored the power of culture and creativity in driving social change.
Reflecting on the journey, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed pride in the significant progress made while acknowledging that challenges such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage continue to affect communities. She reaffirmed her unwavering belief that, through unity, sustained advocacy, and collective responsibility, these challenges can be overcome.
The First Lady extended heartfelt appreciation to her Sister First Ladies for their solidarity and dedication to advancing the rights of women and girls across the continent. She also thanked the women and girls of Sierra Leone for their resilience, the HeForShe men for their steadfast support, and His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his constant encouragement. United in purpose, she emphasized, Sierra Leone and Africa can build a safer, more just future where every woman and girl can thrive.
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Strategic Communications Divisions,
Office of the First Lady,
Republic of Sierra Leone