By Mackie M. Jalloh
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, and Her Excellency Mrs. Monica Geingos, the Third First Lady of Namibia, have arrived in New York, USA, to participate in the prestigious 2024 Global First Ladies Academy. This event marks an important gathering aimed at empowering First Ladies from around the world to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive social change.
The Global First Ladies Academy, hosted by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA) and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, is held in collaboration with several significant organizations. These include the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America (ALMA), the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. This broad coalition underscores the Academy’s commitment to fostering cross-continental partnerships and addressing global developmental challenges.
Upon their arrival, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and Mrs. Monica Geingos were warmly welcomed, symbolizing the unity and shared purpose of First Ladies in driving positive change in their respective countries. Their participation in the Academy highlights the critical roles they play in advocating for health, education, and socio-economic development.
The 2024 Global First Ladies Academy is designed to provide a supportive environment, where First Ladies can acquire and hone leadership skills essential for their unique roles. The program focuses on equipping them with tools to influence and implement policies that promote social change, health-based initiatives, and overall development in their home countries. By engaging in this intensive program, First Ladies can better serve their communities and contribute to global progress.
One of the core objectives of the Academy is to enhance the leadership capacities of First Ladies, enabling them to effectively address pressing issues such as healthcare, gender equality, and poverty alleviation. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and collaborative sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts, share experiences, and develop strategies to tackle these challenges head-on.
The partnership with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health underscores the Academy’s focus on health-based impacts. Public health remains a critical area where First Ladies can make significant contributions. The Academy will cover a range of topics,vincluding maternal and child health, infectious diseases, mental health, and health system strengthening. These areas are crucial for improving the overall well-being of populations and ensuring sustainable development.
In addition to health, the Academy will address other vital areas such as education, economic empowerment, and women’s rights. First Ladies, through their influential positions, are in a unique position to champion these causes and bring about meaningful change. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the Academy aims to build a network of empowered women leaders committed to advancing global development agendas.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and Mrs. Monica Geingos, both renowned for their advocacy work, will bring valuable insights and experiences to the Academy. Dr. Bio has been a vocal advocate for children’s rights, women’s empowerment, and healthcare in Sierra Leone. Her initiatives have led to significant improvements in these areas, making her an influential figure in the country’s development.
Similarly, Mrs. Geingos has made substantial contributions to social and economic development in Namibia. Her work focuses on issues such as youth empowerment, gender equality, and entrepreneurship. Her leadership has inspired many and brought about positive changes in various communities.
The 2024 Global First Ladies Academy promises to be a transformative experience for all participants. By building on the successes of previous editions, this year’s Academy will further strengthen the leadership roles of First Ladies, enabling them to make lasting impacts in their countries and beyond.
As Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and Mrs. Monica Geingos join their peers in New York, their presence highlights the power of collaboration and shared vision among First Ladies worldwide. Together, they are poised to drive social change, promote health-based impacts, and contribute to the global developmental agenda, ultimately improving the livelihoods of people in their home countries and beyond.