In a powerful address delivered in Luanda, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, officially launched the #BuildingResilience campaign, a continent-wide initiative to protect and empower women and girls across Africa.

The launch, which took place on Thursday, marked the beginning of a renewed continental movement designed to shield Africa's most vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of climate change, conflict, and humanitarian crises .

A Call to Action In her address, Dr. Bio painted a vivid picture of the resilience she has witnessed firsthand during her travels across Sierra Leone. "I have seen mothers walk miles in search of clean water, only to return home and prepare their children for school with unwavering hope," she stated. "I have listened to young girls who have survived violence, poverty, and unimaginable loss, yet still declare with confidence; 'One day, I will become a doctor. One day, I will become a leader.'"

The #BuildingResilience campaign, first announced during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, seeks to go beyond mere rhetoric, acting as a "continental commitment" to guarantee every girl access to education, healthcare, and protection.

Dr. Bio called on African governments to invest not only in infrastructure but in "human potential," emphasizing that a prosperous continent depends on the success of its women and girls .

"When a woman is empowered to withstand adversity, she becomes a pillar of strength for her family, her community, and ultimately, her nation," she declared, adding that "when women rise, communities prosper."

The Crisis and The Commitment The campaign responds to the escalating dual crises of climate change and conflict, which disproportionately affect women and girls, often stripping them of their livelihoods and disrupting access to essential health and education services . It builds on the legacy of OAFLAD's previous #WeAreEqual campaign and aligns with continental frameworks such as the African Union's Agenda 2063 .

The initiative aims to mobilize governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to take concrete action. It focuses on integrating gender into climate strategies, preventing gender-based violence, and securing funding for women-led programs .

Acknowledging Leadership During her speech, Dr. Bio expressed gratitude to the President of Angola, João Lourenço, for financial support to OAFLAD, which was hailed as a reinforcement of Angola's commitment to women's empowerment on the continent . The campaign is being led in Angola by the Vice President of OAFLAD, First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço .

A Legacy of Transformation Dr. Bio concluded her speech by urging citizens and leaders alike to become "architects of resilience," asserting that history will not remember the speeches delivered, but "the lives we transformed." She envisions the #BuildingResilience campaign as more than a program, but as the foundation for a continent where resilience is nurtured through opportunity, justice, and equality. Her Excellency encourages Africans to build a continent where resilience is not born out of necessity alone, but nurtured through opportunity, justice, and equality. She added that When Africa women are resilient, Africa itself becomes unstoppable.