AYV News, September 26, 2025
The recognition of Dr. Fatima Maada Bio with the prestigious AEMA BLACK PRIZE Award 2025 is not only a celebration of her personal achievements but also a global acknowledgement of her tireless commitment to humanity and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.
This milestone came on the heels of her participation in the African Economic Global Convergence (AEG) 2025 summit, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The summit convened world leaders, policymakers, and business executives to deliberate on critical economic issues and Africa’s pathway to sustainable development.
In her address at the summit, Dr. Bio highlighted the central role of women in shaping resilient societies, underscoring her advocacy for the Prohibition of Early Marriage Bill in Sierra Leone and the global observance of November 18 as the International Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.
Her message echoed the words of Kofi Annan, who once declared: “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” By championing laws that protect girls from early marriage and abuse, Dr. Bio demonstrates how legislation can become a lifeline for the most vulnerable.
She extended her deepest gratitude to God Almighty and to her husband, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, for granting her the space to champion the rights of women and girls globally. But in true servant-leadership, she dedicated the award not to herself, but to the resilience and determination of women and girls everywhere.
Her vision aligns with the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who said: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.” This recognition reaffirms that when women are free, empowered, and educated, nations thrive.
Dr. Bio’s AEMA Black Prize is a call to action for the world: to continue investing in women’s advancement, to protect children from abuse, and to ensure that no girl is left behind. As Eleanor Roosevelt so aptly put it, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Indeed, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s legacy is proof that dreams backed by courage and persistence can transform generations.
