NEW YORK, 22 September 2025 – Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has been awarded the 2025 AEMA Black Prize in recognition of her tireless efforts to advance women’s rights and champion the empowerment of girls worldwide.
The honor was presented during the African Economic Global Convergence (AEG) summit, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Bio highlighted the transformative impact of women’s empowerment on Africa’s development.
She pointed to her successful advocacy for Sierra Leone’s landmark Prohibition of Early Marriage Bill and her global campaign that secured November 18 as the International Day for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.
Dedicating the award to “all women and girls breaking barriers,” the First Lady expressed gratitude to God and President Julius Maada Bio for their steadfast support, pledging to continue championing the rights of women and girls worldwide.