The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, on 26th June 2025, officiated the launch of the first-ever Strengthening Families Conference at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown.
The landmark event was a collaborative initiative between the Office of the First Lady and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The conference was held under the theme: “Building Stronger Families within Communities Through Women Empowerment and Child Protection.”
In her keynote address, Dr. Bio underscored the essential role of the family unit in national development, stating, “By recognizing the family as the foundation of societal well-being, we acknowledge the critical role families play in shaping the next generation.”
A proud Muslim and a champion of interfaith collaboration, Dr. Bio reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the protection and empowerment of women across Sierra Leone and the African continent. She emphasized, “Empowering women is crucial in this endeavor, as they often play a pivotal role in child-rearing.”
The First Lady called for unified action in building resilient communities through the support of families and women. “Let us seize this moment to prioritize family strengthening and women’s empowerment, paving the way for a brighter future for Sierra Leone,” she concluded.
The Strengthening Families Conference 2025 addressed critical issues surrounding family dynamics, child protection, and the empowerment of women—highlighting the vital need for supportive and inclusive communities, where all individuals can thrive.