By Amin Kef Sesay
First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, delivered a powerful public lecture at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) on the theme: “Women in Leadership: Prospects and Challenges.” Her address served as a rallying cry for women to embrace leadership roles, overcoming cultural and systemic barriers.
Speaking at the Great Hall of the Goderich Campus as part of the Solade Adams Public Lecture Series, Dr. Fatima Bio praised MMTU’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Philip John Kanu, for providing a platform to engage on critical issues. Drawing from her personal experiences as the wife of a soldier, a tribal leader and the President’s partner, she emphasized resilience, declaring, “If I can overcome these challenges, so can you.”
Dr. Fatima Bio highlighted societal hurdles such as tokenism, traditional norms and lack of opportunities that hinder women’s ascent to leadership. She underscored the transformative potential of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, urging women to defend the law and leverage it to secure equal opportunities.
Sharing inspiring examples of Sierra Leonean women leaders, including Madam Yoko, Ella Koblo-Gulama, and Umu Hawa Tejan Jalloh, the country’s first female Chief Justice, Dr. Fatima Bio called for collective action and solidarity among women.
The First Lady celebrated advancements such as Sierra Leone’s Free Quality Education initiative and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship program for girls, which address barriers like early school dropouts due to menstruation and teenage pregnancy. She reminded attendees, “An educated woman knows her worth and becomes an asset, not a liability.”
Dr. Fatima Bio urged parents to prioritize education and limit family size to better cater to their children. She emphasized that societal perceptions are changing, with increasing awareness of women’s human and socio-economic rights.
Acknowledging persistent obstacles like limited financial resources, cultural norms and restricted access to land and loans, particularly in Sierra Leone’s Northeast, Dr. Fatima Bio highlighted progress. She noted the rise in female representation in Parliament, increasing from 8 to 42 members and the 40% inclusion of women in leadership roles under the Proportional Representation System.
She commended the Mende and Sherbro ethnic groups for electing female Paramount Chiefs and called for women to register their marriages to safeguard property rights.
Dr. Fatima Bio encouraged women to seize opportunities, speak out and challenge outdated narratives. “If given the opportunity, women can be as productive as anyone,” she affirmed. She concluded by urging women to champion issues affecting them, emphasizing their resilience and strength.
The event, which featured an engaging question-and-answer session, left participants inspired. Professor Philip John Kanu warmly welcomed attendees, while student Zainab Saffa delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for the First Lady’s impactful message.
This lecture stands as a testament to Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and her vision of a brighter, more inclusive future for Sierra Leone.
