His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, has been honoured with two prestigious continental awards that recognize his transformative leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality, girl-child education, and human capital development within the nation.
The accolades, namely the African HeForShe Champion of the Year 2024 and the Presidential African Intelligence Award 2024, were graciously presented to President Bio by Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, the former President of Malawi and founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation. The ceremony also featured Princess Dr. Ocansey, the founder of the Nakotech Centre for Excellence, who joined in celebrating President Bio’s achievements. During the award ceremony, the Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketorma Sandi, welcomed distinguished guests on behalf of President Bio. He described the event as a tribute to an exceptional leader whose dedication has profoundly impacted Sierra Leone. Sandi emphasized that these awards symbolize Africa’s aspirations for leadership characterized by integrity, commitment, and progress, highlighting the importance of recognizing leaders who prioritize the welfare of their citizens.
Former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda expressed her admiration for President Bio, stating that she and her delegation had come to Freetown to honour one of Africa’s most distinguished leaders. She noted that she has closely followed President Bio’s remarkable initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. Dr Banda pointed out that while Africa boasts six female presidents, with another anticipated in Namibia, only a select few male leaders actively champion the rights and protection of women and girls. In her remarks, she commended First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio for her unwavering support and advocacy for gender equality in Sierra Leone. She emphasized that President Bio’s commitment to gender equality is not merely rhetorical; it is evident in his policy decisions and legislative reforms.
The former president applauded the administration’s deliberate efforts to appoint more women to leadership positions, a commitment that has now been codified into law, thus affirming President Bio’s status as a true HeForShe Champion. She further acknowledged his dedication to human capital development as a significant factor in making him a deserving recipient of these prestigious accolades. In his acceptance speech, President Julius Maada Bio expressed profound gratitude for the African HeForShe Champion of the Year Award 2024 and the Presidential African Intelligence Award 2024. He emphasized that these honours are a recognition of his government’s dedicated work in promoting women’s socio-economic empowerment and advancing girl-child education, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. “These awards are not mere personal achievements but a testament to the collective efforts of my government and the people of Sierra Leone in fostering education, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. Receiving these accolades from two globally recognised trailblazers in gender advocacy adds to their significance,” President Bio remarked.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to gender equality, underscoring that Sierra Leone’s journey has been one characterized by dedication and transformative action. He articulated that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a fundamental driver of national development, social cohesion, and economic progress. President Bio highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by his government, including progressive legislative reforms aimed at enhancing gender inclusion, initiatives to increase access to education for girls—especially in STEM fields—greater support for women entrepreneurs to foster economic independence, and strengthened measures against gender-based violence to create a safer society for women and girls.
“These initiatives are not simply policies; they represent pathways to a more just and equitable society. While we celebrate our progress, we remain acutely aware that the road ahead is long and demanding,” he stated. Additionally, the President reiterated that gender equality is not solely a women’s issue but a collective responsibility that requires the unwavering commitment of men and boys as allies in this critical endeavour. “I dedicate this award to every girl who dares to dream beyond societal limitations, every woman who strives against the odds, and every man who believes in and actively advocates for gender equality. Together, we can make a significant difference,” he concluded, leaving a powerful message resonating with all those present.
