By: Ibrahim John Conteh
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa degree during the 18th Graduation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University (RMU). The ceremony, held in Accra, Ghana, marked another significant milestone for the institution known for its contributions to the maritime industry in Africa.
The citation recognized Her Excellency multifaceted contributions as an actress, screenwriter, film producer, and prominent gender advocate. Since assuming her role, she has actively promoted democracy, rule of law, social justice, and economic development in Sierra Leone. Her initiatives, including free sanitary pads for schoolgirls and pro-poor policies, have significantly impacted education and welfare across the nation. Her leadership and advocacy efforts, both locally and internationally, particularly in women and girl’s empowerment, earned her accolades such as the Warrior Award and recognition from the African Union. The award reflects her exceptional dedication to national development and her role as a distinguished gender advocate and role model.
In her address, Her Excellency began by extending warm greetings from His Excellency the President and the people of Sierra Leone to the staff and students of RMU. She expressed her deep honor in speaking at such a prestigious event and congratulated Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay on his new role as Chancellor and Board Chair of RMU for the next two years. Grateful for the special recognition of her work in uplifting humanity, she emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues to bring about societal transformation. She highlighted her dedication to work and growth, noting that true transformation is achieved through changing attitudes and actions. This, she believes, is essential to improving the lives of the less privileged and vulnerable sectors in Africa.
Her Excellency highlighted her international advocacy for survivors of rape, the fight against cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation, the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls, and the enactment of laws prohibiting child marriage and promoting gender empowerment. She passionately argued that women deserve better treatment and opportunities, and their lives and futures must be improved.
Acknowledging the challenges women face, including gender stereotypes, discrimination, and exclusion from leadership roles, she called for enforceable laws and policies to punish discrimination. She urged governments, businesses, professional associations, and stakeholders to act decisively for the inclusion of women and their meaningful participation in the workforce. She pointed out that equitable representation of women in the maritime industry is not an unreasonable demand, given that women make up half of Africa’s population. She encouraged continuous efforts towards a dynamic and diverse maritime industry in Africa.
Her Excellency assured RMU’s management of her commitment to serve as an ambassador and patron of the university, promising to support and be available whenever called upon.
Addressing the graduates, Her Excellency reminded them of the challenges they will face in the corporate world and urged them to use their acquired skills to create job opportunities.
She expressed confidence in their training and abilities, quoting motivational words: “You may have been told often that you are born to win; indeed, you are born to win, but to win, you must prepare to win, plan to win, and work hard before you can expect to win.”
She encouraged them to see their certificates as tools to achieve their aspirations and become game-changers in society. Citing Nelson Mandela, she said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, but the difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we have lived.”
The First Lady congratulated the graduates for their sacrifices and achievements, and commended the Board of Governors, management, staff, and students of RMU for making the university a center of maritime education in Africa.
