OAFLAD: Nearly 25 years of leadership for women and girls — reflections from UNGA81

On 22 September 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) held a high-level event titled OAFLAD: A Legacy of Leadership — Delivering for Women and Girls. The event brought together African First Ladies, the First Gentleman of Namibia, representatives of the African Union and partner organisations. A total of 238 participants attended.

The discussion focused on nearly 25 years of OAFLAD’s work, its achievements and priorities for the future. Participants explored the role of leadership and advocacy in advancing the rights of women and girls, improving access to healthcare and creating opportunities for future generations.

Turning a Collective Voice into Lasting Change

In her opening remarks, H.E. Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, emphasised that a collective voice matters most when it leads to tangible results.

“The question is not simply how loudly we can speak, but how effectively we can turn our collective voices into lasting change,” she said.

According to Dr Maada Bio, this principle has guided the organisation’s work throughout her current presidential mandate.

She also highlighted the importance of involving young women in discussions and decisions that affect their lives.

“We cannot design meaningful solutions for young women by speaking about them without listening to them. Their experiences, their questions, their fears and their aspirations should matter,” the OAFLAD President stressed.

Leadership Must Be Measured by Its Impact

The role of First Ladies in driving social change was another central theme of the discussion. Monica Geingos, former President of OAFLAD and former First Lady of Namibia, noted that the influence of First Ladies is often underestimated.

“Having influence isn’t enough — it’s about the outcomes,” she emphasised.

Her message set an important direction for the discussion about OAFLAD’s future: the influence and convening power of its members should help turn advocacy into practical solutions.

During the Legacy in Conversation panel, H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula conveyed the African Union’s message to OAFLAD, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation.

“The African Union stands with you, but also counts on you to help us transform commitments, policies and legal instruments into actionable, measurable and implementable programmes,” she said.

Her remarks underscored the importance of partnership between OAFLAD and the African Union in translating shared priorities into concrete action.

The Next 25 Years: Health, Safety and Opportunities for Every Generation

Panellists also shared their perspectives on the priorities that should shape the organisation’s next chapter.

H.E. Nathalie Villette-Wadagni, First Lady of Benin, acknowledged OAFLAD’s achievements since its establishment and stressed the need to continue addressing gender-based violence.

H.E. Kaone Boko, First Lady of Botswana, called for a continuum of opportunity throughout life, ensuring that no woman, girl or boy is left behind.

H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, highlighted the need for greater investment in healthcare services and infrastructure. She also emphasised the role of First Ladies in mobilising partners and resources to improve health outcomes across African countries.

H.E. Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady of Ghana, reflected on the circumstances in which OAFLAD was established: the HIV/AIDS epidemic demanded decisive leadership and a united response. Looking ahead, she called for continued efforts to build strong and resilient health systems across Africa.

H.E. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, First Gentleman of Namibia, highlighted the responsibility that comes with leadership and the importance of creating conditions in which others can also take on that responsibility.

“We are all leaders in our capacities,” he said.

Joint Efforts to Improve Eye Health for Women and Children

On 23 September, OAFLAD and Orbis International convened a separate high-level dialogue on the Initiative on Vision for Women and Children.

Representatives from the Offices of the First Ladies of Angola, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of the Congo and Senegal, alongside eye-health experts and development partners, discussed the importance of integrating vision care into broader health, education and development priorities.

From a Shared Legacy to the Next Chapter

The meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly provided an opportunity not only to reflect on OAFLAD’s achievements over nearly 25 years, but also to identify priorities for the future.

Key areas included strengthening health systems, addressing gender-based violence, expanding opportunities for women and girls, and involving younger generations in shaping decisions that affect them.

The discussion highlighted a central principle: the legacy of leadership is measured not only by past achievements, but also by the ability to turn shared commitments into meaningful change in people’s lives.