PRESS STATEMENT
SLAM-GLOBAL WELCOMES SIERRA LEONEAN WOMEN ON THE WORLD STAGE-BUT ASKS THE UNITED NATIONS: WHO VETS THOSE ENTRUSTED TO SPEAK FOR OUR GIRLS?
“WE CELEBRATE THE ELEVATION OF AFRICAN WOMEN. BUT RECOGNITION, RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY MUST RISE TOGETHER.”
SLAM-Global welcomes every opportunity for a Sierra Leonean woman to stand before the world and demonstrate the extraordinary potential of our nation. We want more Sierra Leonean women at the United Nations. More African women leading international institutions. More Sierra Leonean girls growing up believing that no podium, profession, institution or position of global leadership is beyond their reach.
That is progress we should celebrate. The economic case is equally compelling. The World Bank estimates that greater investment in the education, health and economic empowerment of adolescent girls in Africa could generate enormous returns-including potential gains of approximately $2.4 trillion by 2040.
Africa’s women are not a burden waiting to be helped. They are among the continent’s greatest underdeveloped assets. So when Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, receives international recognition, SLAM-Global does not begin with resentment.
We begin with pride. We recognize her advocacy against child marriage and sexual violence. We recognize that UNAIDS appointed her in 2023 as a Champion for the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and young women. We recognize her election in 2025 as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD.
And as reports indicate that Mrs. Bio is preparing for another high-profile international intervention concerning child, early and forced marriage, SLAM-GLOBAL hopes that every worthwhile effort to protect girls succeeds.
But celebration must never require silence. Recognition must never become immunity from scrutiny. And accountability must never be misrepresented as opposition to the advancement of women.
OUR QUESTION IS SIMPLE: WAS THERE DUE DILIGENCE?
International institutions carry an extraordinary moral responsibility. When institutions designate someone a champion, advocate, representative or other figure associated with the protection of women and children, the public is entitled to ask what standards accompany that recognition.
SLAM-Global therefore respectfully asks UNAIDS, OAFLAD, the relevant United Nations actors, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission and all institutions associated with the First Lady’s international advocacy: What due diligence has been conducted?
Not because Fatima Bio is a woman. Not because she is President Bio’s wife. Not because SLAM-Global opposes her success. But because the higher the platform, the higher the responsibility.
UNAIDS appointed Mrs. Bio specifically to champion adolescent girls and young women, describing her as an advocate against gender inequality and sexual and gender-based violence. She also serves as OAFLAD President, while UN-Habitat identifies her as a campaigner for women, girls and gender equality and as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste