In a landmark event marking her inaugural engagement as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio convened a high-level meeting with His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. This significant gathering took place at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and was attended by OAFLAD Vice President, Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, the First Lady of Angola.
The OAFLAD delegation received a warm welcome from Chairperson Youssouf and his team, who recognized the essential contributions of OAFLAD in advocating for continental priorities. In his opening remarks, Youssouf underscored the organization’s alignment with AU treaties, conventions, and the Agenda 2063 development framework. He commended OAFLAD’s strategic initiatives aimed at combating harmful practices, promoting education, and addressing the pressing needs of women and girls across Africa.
Highlighting the recently adopted OAFLAD Strategic Framework for 2025–2030, Chairperson Youssouf described it as a practical and results-driven roadmap that could significantly enhance collaboration between the African Union and OAFLAD. “My doors are always open to OAFLAD,” he assured, emphasizing the shared commitment to serving the continent effectively.
In her response, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio extended her heartfelt congratulations to Chairperson Youssouf on his recent election. She expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support from the African Union for OAFLAD’s initiatives. Dr. Bio called for a more profound collaboration between the two institutions, stressing the urgent need for united action on critical issues affecting African women and children, particularly in the realms of health, education, economic empowerment, and the fight against gender-based violence.
Dr. Bio further emphasized the importance of addressing cross-cutting issues such as climate change, peace, and human security, noting their significant impact on the lives of women and children. She passionately advocated for the increased involvement of African First Ladies in continental policymaking forums, asserting that their perspectives are vital for advancing peace, justice, and sustainable development. “We believe that the inclusion of African First Ladies in high-level policy discussions is essential for promoting peace, justice, and sustainable development,” she stated, urging Chairperson Youssouf to recognize OAFLAD as a key strategic partner.
Additionally, Dr. Bio praised the Chairperson for his impactful address at the last AU Summit and took the opportunity to introduce her team from the OAFLAD Secretariat, along with ambassadors representing Sierra Leone and Angola.
Chairperson Youssouf concluded the meeting with a lighthearted remark, acknowledging the substantial contributions of African First Ladies. “The First Ladies are our bosses,” he quipped, recognizing their collective leadership and advocacy. He assured Dr. Bio that her recommendations would be prioritized, pledging that his team would work diligently to translate them into concrete actions.
The historic meeting concluded with a group photo session, symbolizing the beginning of a renewed partnership between OAFLAD and the African Union. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, this engagement marks a promising new chapter aimed at advancing the rights and welfare of women and children throughout the African continent.
