Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, joined forces with the First Lady of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria and Angola to lead a Muslim prayer at the State Lodge, marking the UN World Day for the Prevention of Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.
On November 17, 2023, the prayer, led by First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, alongside the First Lady of Angola and Nigeria, was a significant event aimed at raising awareness about preventing and healing from child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence. It symbolized solidarity and a shared commitment to addressing these critical issues. The Muslim prayer conducted by these influential figures served as a poignant reminder of the global commitment to protecting children and promoting their well-being. She welcomed the two First Ladies and encouraged them to have a nice stay and enjoy Sierra Leone’s cassava leaves, potato leaves, foofoo, to name but a few.
On November 18th, 2023, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio organised a special state dinner at the Presidential residence on the evening session of UN World Day. On November 18th, after the healing prayer at the Winner’s Chapel International headquarters in Freetown. The international gathering at State Lodge in Freetown, featured esteemed guests like the First Lady of Angola and the First Lady of Nigeria.
Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio stressed the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation, abuse, and violence, emphasizing the need for collective action to create a safe environment for them to thrive.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s commitment to gender equality, she shared insights into the religious tolerance evident in her marriage to President Julius Maada Bio, a devout Christian. This diversity was reflected in the Islamic prayer held and the Christian commemoration scheduled for the 18th November 2023.
Acknowledging the Nigerian First Lady’s commitment to championing women and girls’ protection globally, she commended her as a role model.
Addressing survivors, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio urged them not to see themselves as victims but to recognize the shame that lies with those who harmed them. She assured survivors of the government’s commitment to stand with them, provide healing, and encouraged them to reclaim their pride as Sierra Leoneans.
Her Excellency the First Lady Fatima Maada Bio expressed her deep concern about the prevalence of child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence globally, and particularly in Sierra Leone.
First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio explored the significance of the UN World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Violence. She emphasized that women and girls’ physical appearance should not be used as a yardstick for them to be raped or sexually violated. She pledged commitment to fighting against this heinous crime, despite perpetrators are fighting back.
Her Excellency, The First Lady of Angola, Dr. Ana Dias Lourenco, emphasized the urgency of addressing child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence, urging concerted efforts to support and protect vulnerable children.
Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal of Nigeria, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures, education, awareness, and advocacy in combating child sexual exploitation. Her Excellency Dr. Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, highlighted in her speech the commitment to protecting children, empowering women, and the call to action against child sexual exploitation. She congratulated His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio for giving and adding wings to His wife, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, to fly the image of the country high, an act that she considers very inspirational.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs expressed solidarity with survivors, shedding light on the country’s efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence, including President Bio’s commitment to declare rape a public health emergency.
Highlighting the establishment of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 and a model court for sexual offences, she called for collective collaboration to reduce this global crisis. She urged the use of technology to prevent online and offline offences and improve the criminal justice system.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio highlighted the government’s strides in empowering women and girls, including the Human Capital Development Initiative and the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act.
The event was concluded with a cultural touch, including the warm welcome and culinary experiences shared among the attendees, topped off by a performance from the renowned gospel singer, Sinach.