African First Ladies Launch #BuildingResilience Campaign

On 23 September 2025, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) officially launched its new continent-wide initiative, #BuildingResilience, during a high-level event “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict”, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The event gathered African First Ladies, Heads of State, senior United Nations and African Union officials, civil society representatives, donors, policymakers, and influencers to address the dual crises of climate change and conflict and their impact on women and girls.

Among the participants were Mrs Ana Dias Lourenço (Angola), Mrs Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Mrs Gueta Chapo (Mozambique), Mrs Zita Nyangue Oligui Nguema (Gabon), Mrs Lordina Mahama (Ghana), Mrs Rachel Ruto (Kenya), Mrs Kartumu Yarta Boakai (Liberia), and Dr Fatima Maada Bio (Sierra Leone).

The #BuildingResilience campaign builds on the success of OAFLAD’s previous #WeAreEqual initiative and seeks to protect and empower women and girls in climate- and conflict-affected regions by promoting access to essential services, including health and education, preventing gender-based violence, and advancing peace and climate resilience. H.E. Dr Fatima Maada Bio, OAFLAD President and First Lady of Sierra Leone, emphasised:

“Resilience is not a choice, it is a lifeline. Women and girls are not just surviving the crises of climate and conflict, they are leading the charge for change. It is time to stand with them, invest in their protection, elevate their leadership, and secure their future.”

The side event featured a keynote address by H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, a pioneering diplomat and legal expert with extensive experience in promoting Africa’s voice in global diplomacy. The programme also included discussions on the climate–conflict–gender nexus, advocacy for gender-responsive policies, and securing commitments to fund women-led programmes. The launch coincided with the presentation of the African Women’s Resilience Charter, reinforcing OAFLAD’s Strategic Framework and commitment to placing women and girls at the heart of Africa’s climate resilience and peacebuilding agenda.

Events like this play a vital role in public diplomacy, enhancing the influence of African First Ladies in international decision-making, and highlighting the global significance of climate, conflict, and gender issues. By connecting leaders across countries and sectors, such gatherings foster collaboration, shared learning, and coordinated action on challenges that affect millions worldwide.

About OAFLAD

Founded in 2002 as the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), the institution later evolved into the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). It provides continent-wide leadership in advocacy on maternal and child health, HIV, and women’s empowerment. OAFLAD First Ladies leverage their positions to promote accessible health services, advocate for supportive policies, strengthen programmes through partnerships and resource mobilisation, and engage communities to raise awareness on health risks and policies.