In a solemn and symbolic ceremony held at the OAFLAD Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, was officially inaugurated as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). This prestigious leadership role positions her at the forefront of an influential network of African First Ladies committed to advancing development, health, education, gender equality, and social justice across the continent. Joining her in leadership is Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola, who assumes the vital role of Vice President.
The ceremony marked a moment of renewal and reaffirmation of OAFLAD’s core values and mission. The Executive Secretary, Dr. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, along with her dedicated team, extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed leadership. Attendees were taken on a guided tour of the Secretariat, where they were introduced to the committed professionals, whose tireless efforts have driven OAFLAD’s mission since its inception in 2002. These staff members, representing a range of technical and administrative expertise, play a crucial role in implementing the organization’s initiatives across member states.
During the event, Dr. Nardos delivered a comprehensive briefing on OAFLAD’s evolution, chronicling its journey from a fledgling organisation to a formidable platform of advocacy and action. She spoke on the organisation’s robust governance framework, its expanding membership, strategic partnerships, and the milestones that have defined its legacy. The ongoing constitutional review and the rollout of the Strategic Framework 2025–2030 were presented as key areas of institutional focus. Dr. Nardos also presented a detailed financial report, underlining OAFLAD’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-driven development.
In her inspiring inaugural address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio conveyed deep gratitude for the warm reception and expressed admiration for the groundwork laid by her predecessors. She reflected on the interconnectedness of peace, development, and gender equity, asserting that the fight for women’s empowerment and equal rights cannot be isolated from the broader context of peace, stability, and human security. Her Excellency highlighted that without these fundamental conditions, progress in any development arena remains fragile and incomplete.
Under her leadership, OAFLAD will strategically confront the most urgent global and continental challenges, particularly climate change, peacebuilding, and the protection of human security. Dr. Fatima pledged to usher in a bold and transformative era for OAFLAD—one that not only builds on the impactful legacy of the #WeAreEqual campaign, but also reimagines its relevance amid today’s dynamic and often turbulent humanitarian landscape. Her vision calls for inclusivity, resilience, and collective action, rooted in the belief that sustainable development must leave no woman or child behind.
Echoing this vision, Vice President, Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, praised the Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support. She reaffirmed her dedication to collaborative leadership and underscored the importance of unity and shared purpose in achieving OAFLAD’s overarching goals. Together, the newly inaugurated President and Vice President are poised to lead with strength, empathy, and strategic foresight, as they work to uplift and transform communities across Africa.
The inauguration of Dr. Fatima Maada Bio represents not only a new chapter for OAFLAD, but also a renewed commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of Africa’s women and children. With visionary leadership, an energized Secretariat, and a clear strategic roadmap, the organisation stands ready to deepen its impact and further its mission of inclusive and sustainable development.