By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a powerful address that resonated deeply with young minds, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, made a significant mark on October 21, 2024, during her guest lecture at Brigham Young University (BYU). The historic institution, known for its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, welcomed her as she shared her personal journey and her fight for gender equality in Africa and beyond.
BYU, which boasts an alumni network filled with prominent figures like Mitt Romney, Aaron Eckhart, and Matthew Modine, provided a prestigious platform for Dr. Bio to amplify her advocacy work. Her lecture, “Empowering Women for a Just Future,” aimed to inspire and challenge the current generation of students to reimagine the global landscape for women, drawing on the progress achieved in Sierra Leone as a testament to what collective efforts can accomplish.
From Tradition to Triumph: A Personal Journey
The First Lady began by recounting her early life in Sierra Leone, where she faced cultural norms that restricted her access to education and personal freedoms. Dr. Bio did not shy away from discussing the harsh realities many girls in Africa face today. She recounted her own harrowing experiences with the threat of child marriage, a fate she narrowly escaped through sheer determination and the support of a few who believed in her right to pursue an education.
She described how, despite the obstacles placed in her path, she was able to rise above the circumstances imposed on her by societal expectations. Her escape from the looming future of being married off at a young age allowed her to focus on her education, a journey that would eventually lead her to international acclaim, not only as the First Lady of Sierra Leone but also as a champion for girls’ rights globally.
Dr. Bio spoke earnestly about her belief that education is the most powerful tool for changing the lives of women. “There is no limit to what a girl can achieve if she is given the chance to go to school,” she said, encouraging students to see education as a vehicle for empowerment and progress.
Gender Equality and the Fight Against Child Marriage
A large portion of her address centered on gender equality and dismantling the deep-seated stereotypes that often confine African women to the roles of domestic caretakers and childbearers. She argued that these perceptions are not only outdated but dangerous, as they perpetuate a cycle of poverty, abuse, and missed opportunities for half the population.
In discussing her work as First Lady, she highlighted the significant strides made by her husband’s administration in promoting gender equality. Under the Bio-led government, Sierra Leone has taken bold steps to eliminate practices that undermine the potential of girls and women, including the banning of child marriage. Dr. Bio spoke proudly of this legislative achievement, which ensures that young girls have the opportunity to attend school without the threat of being forced into marriage at a young age. She emphasized the critical link between education and empowerment, noting that the government’s focus on providing free quality education has opened doors for thousands of girls across the country.
The Importance of Global Collaboration
First Lady Bio’s address went beyond the borders of Sierra Leone, calling on students and faculty to understand gender equality as a global issue. She stressed the importance of international partnerships in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
Her lecture highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between countries, institutions, and individuals to create a world where women and girls can thrive. She pointed out that although significant progress has been made in recent years, much more work remains to be done, especially in regions where traditional beliefs and cultural practices still hold sway.
“We cannot achieve true development if half of our population is left behind,” she said. “The world needs to prioritize the empowerment of women in every society, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the smart thing to do for the future of our global community.”
Meeting with BYU President Shane Reese
Following her lecture, Dr. Bio had the honor of meeting with Brigham Young University’s President, Shane Reese. During their discussion, President Reese shared the historical values that have guided BYU since its inception and how these principles continue to inform the institution’s approach to education and leadership development. He explained how BYU’s commitment to integrity, hard work, and service has helped shape some of the most influential figures in politics, business, and the arts.
Dr. Bio expressed her admiration for the university’s dedication to fostering a spirit of service and leadership among its students, drawing parallels between the institution’s values and the goals she strives to achieve in her advocacy work. “What you are doing here—raising a generation of leaders who are not only capable but also committed to making the world a better place—is exactly what we need in Africa and beyond,” she remarked.
The meeting further reinforced the shared vision between Dr. Bio’s efforts and BYU’s mission, emphasizing that the fight for gender equality is one that requires commitment from leaders and institutions worldwide.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As the event concluded, the impact of Dr. Bio’s lecture was evident in the thoughtful questions posed by students and faculty alike. Many were struck by her resilience and dedication to advancing the rights of women and girls, with some expressing a newfound commitment to gender equality in their own work and studies. Dr. Bio left the audience with a powerful message: “The future is not predetermined; it is shaped by the choices we make today. Be brave enough to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.”
Her visit to BYU marked yet another chapter in her journey as a global advocate for gender equality, one that continues to inspire countless individuals across the world to take up the mantle of change and fight for a better, more equitable future.
