NaCSA Women’s Forum Celebrates with Sierra Leone’s First Lady...

The Women’s Forum at the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) joined the Office of the Presidential Gender Adviser and the Female Parliamentary Caucus on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, to celebrate Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio's election as President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

For the NaCSA Women’s Forum, this momentous occasion was more than a celebration—it was a heartfelt demonstration of solidarity, sisterhood, and unwavering support for one of Sierra Leone’s most influential female figures on the global stage. Beyond their presence at the event, the association also presented a special gift to the First Lady as a token of deep appreciation for her continuous advocacy for women’s rights and social development.

In an exclusive interview, Md. Regina Saffa, President of the NaCSA Women’s Forum, expressed that the celebration was a demonstration of solidarity and recognition of women’s achievements. She emphasized that this event should serve as an example of women supporting one another. *“We celebrated a remarkable woman who has been elected as the President of OAFLAD due to her unwavering support and advocacy for the welfare of women and girls. While we have laid the foundation for advancing women’s empowerment, achieving this goal will require the involvement of young women and girls,”* she concluded.

Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, the Commissioner for NaCSA, participated in the celebration and has consistently shown strong support for women’s economic and political empowerment. He emphasized that women are essential to the successful implementation of the Big Five Game Changers. *“This gathering goes beyond celebrating Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s election as President of OAFLAD; we are honoring women’s emancipation, political growth, and economic stability. Today, we celebrate every woman, and we will continue to do so because His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio is committed to supporting women,”* he stated.

Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and now the President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), began by acknowledging the presence of the Parliamentarians, particularly the Female Parliamentary Caucus. She emphasized that a strong Parliament leads to effective leadership and representation for the nation, while a weak Parliament negatively impacts the day-to-day administration of the country.

Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed her gratitude for the support and celebration from those present, but she also wanted to honor the 6th Parliament. She noted that, since independence, this Parliament has made women proud by fully embracing the HeforShe movement and advocating for women's empowerment. Furthermore, she highlighted their willingness to step aside to allow women to take on leadership roles.

*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

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