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Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, received an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the Regional Maritime University (RMU) during its 18th Congregation held at the RMU Parade Grounds in Nungua, Accra.
The RMU’s Academic Council recognized First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her outstanding contributions to humanity, particularly in gender advocacy, democracy, the rule of law, social justice, and equal opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans.
The award citation highlighted several of Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s initiatives, including the impactful “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign aimed at reducing child marriage and rape in Africa. Her advocacy for sanitation and hygiene, recognized by the African Union, and her distribution of free sanitary pads to support the Free Quality Education initiative in Sierra Leone have led to a remarkable increase in school enrollment and a reduction in absenteeism among girls.
In her acceptance speech, Her Excellency expressed gratitude and pride. She commended the RMU for its outstanding history and contributions to the maritime industry in Africa. She also congratulated the newly appointed Chancellor and Chairman, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq.
“I feel very honored and privileged to be speaking at this fusion of the Regional Maritime University, an institution with an outstanding history that has made tremendous contributions to the achievements of the maritime industry in Africa. Let me also hasten to congratulate the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, who, I am informed and now know, will assume the position of Chancellor,” said First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio.
First Lady emphasized the importance of transforming mindsets, attitudes, and thought processes to uplift society and improve the lives of the vulnerable. She reiterated her commitment to international advocacy for survivors of rape and gender-based violence, combating cultural stigmas around menstruation, and promoting gender equality.
“It is only through these processes of transformation that we can transform our societies and the lives and futures of the vulnerable and less privileged on our continent,” she said.
Her Excellency urged for the preparation and support of women in the maritime industry, stressing the need to overcome cultural and gender stereotypes, discrimination, wage disparities, and exclusion from leadership roles. She called for enforceable workplace laws and policies to ensure meaningful participation of women in the industry.
Besides her advocacy for women, Her Excellency expressed her dedication to serving as an ambassador and patron of the RMU. She committed to supporting the university and its leadership and encouraged graduates to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities amid global economic challenges.
“You may have been told often that you were born to win. Indeed, you were born to win. But to win, you must prepare to win, plan to win, and work hard to win before you can expect to win,” she advised the graduates, quoting Nelson Mandela.
In her concluding remarks, First Lady praised the RMU for its contributions to maritime training and expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her. She pledged to serve diligently and champion the values of the university and African unity.
This honor reflects First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s exemplary leadership and dedication to promoting gender equality and social justice, reinforcing her role as a distinguished advocate and role model on the African continent and beyond.
Credit:
Strategic Communications Division,
Office of the First Lady,
Republic of Sierra Leone.
