Strengthen Families & Catalyze Economic Development
First Lady of Sierra Leone Builds Coalition to Increase Women’s Opportunities
Sierra Leone
“When you empower women, you empower Africa." - Madam Fatima Maada
First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Madam Fatima Maada Bio visited Utah with a high-level delegation of government and national leaders to share best practices, build connections, and catalyze cooperation on shared priorities of increasing women’s opportunities, strengthening families, and protecting children. While in Utah, The First Lady spoke at several high-profile events on various topics, including trade and investment opportunities in West Africa at a World Trade Center Utah women’s leadership gala and protecting women and children at a workshop convened by Saprea, a Utah-based anti-exploitation organization. The First Lady also highlighted the transformative role of women’s entrepreneurship in advancing family stability and national development. Throughout her visit, she engaged with civic, academic, and faith leaders. Following the First Lady’s visit, U.S.-based organizations have increased their engagement in Sierra Leone on a range of issues, including participating in a global Strengthening Families Conference in Freetown, increased business engagement, and additional joint efforts to benefit women and children and strengthen families.