𝐁𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐨, has been awarded the AEMA Black Prize Award 2025. The award, a rare and prestigious honour, celebrates her tireless work in transforming lives particularly her fierce advocacy for women’s and girls’ rights across the globe.

The award was presented to Her Excellency on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. It comes shortly after her participation in the African Economic Global Convergence (AEG) 2025 summit, the award highlights Her Excellency’s growing global influence as a humanitarian and champion for gender equity.

The award’s citation reads:

“We want to specially thank you for your contribution to humanity. Thank you for making great impact in the lives of those who do not know you have touched their lives positively. Keep winning and keep living.”

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and often underappreciated contributions to humanity particularly through advocacy, leadership, and social impact.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐨 has become internationally known for her campaigns against gender-based violence and child marriage, and for her work empowering women through education and health initiatives.

This latest recognition adds to her growing list of accolades and positions her as one of Africa’s most influential female leaders on the global stage. The award recognizes not only her public initiatives but also the quiet, life-changing impact she has made on countless individuals.

As one of the few African First Ladies honored in this manner at such a high-profile international gathering, Her Excellency’s award is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of national pride for Sierra Leone.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 26th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)