By: George English| Independent News
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has extended her nationwide initiative of distributing free sanitary pads and brand-new shoes to schoolchildren, reaching Kambia and Port Loko districts in the North-Western Province. This ongoing program, which aims to support education and promote gender equality, has already benefited thousands of students across the country.
The First Lady’s initiative seeks to remove barriers that prevent girls from attending school during their menstrual periods. Writing on her official Facebook page on February 4, 2025, she reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that no girl misses out on education due to a lack of sanitary pads.
“This initiative is aimed at eliminating barriers that prevent our school-going girls from attending school during their menstrual periods,” she stated.
Menstrual hygiene remains a significant challenge for many schoolgirls in Sierra Leone, leading to absenteeism and, in some cases, dropping out of school. The First Lady’s intervention is part of a broader effort to ensure that girls can continue their education with dignity and confidence.
While much focus is placed on supporting girls, First Lady Bio also recognizes the challenges faced by boys in accessing basic school necessities. To this end, her initiative includes distributing free shoes to both boys and girls, ensuring they have proper footwear for school.
“The provision of shoes for both boys and girls is also an essential part of our efforts to support all children in their academic journey, ensuring they have the necessary resources to excel in their studies,” she explained.
This holistic approach underscores her dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment where all children, regardless of gender, have the tools they need to succeed.
Following the successful distribution of sanitary pads and shoes across the Eastern Province last month, the First Lady and her team moved to the North-Western region, bringing the same goodwill to schoolchildren in Kambia and Port Loko.
Students, teachers, and parents warmly welcomed the initiative, expressing their gratitude for the First Lady’s continued support for education and child welfare. School authorities commended her efforts, noting that such interventions help boost student morale and improve school attendance.
“We are deeply grateful for this support,” said one school principal in Kambia. “Many of our students lack proper footwear, and girls especially face serious challenges with menstrual hygiene. This initiative makes a real difference.”
First Lady Fatima Bio’s advocacy for children’s rights, particularly through her Hands Off Our Girls campaign, has been widely recognized both locally and internationally. Her commitment to providing sanitary pads and essential school supplies is part of a larger strategy to empower young people and promote gender equality in education.
She called on community leaders, stakeholders, and development partners to collaborate in supporting initiatives that uplift school-going children.
“As a nation, we must work together to ensure that no child is left behind in education,” she emphasized.
With this ongoing initiative, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio continues to demonstrate leadership and compassion, reinforcing her role as a champion for the rights and well-being of Sierra Leonean children.
The First Lady’s team is expected to continue this initiative across other regions, ensuring that more children receive the necessary support to thrive in school. As the program expands, its impact on education and child welfare in Sierra Leone is becoming increasingly evident.
For more updates on this initiative and other national development efforts, stay tuned to Independent News.
