By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
Liberia’s First Lady, Kartumu Yarta Boakai, has departed the country for Freetown, Sierra Leone to participate in the national launch of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Building Resilience Campaign.
The initiative is being held under the theme “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change,” seeks to galvanize collective action among African nations to protect women, girls, and other vulnerable populations from the widening threats posed by climate change. The campaign aims to drive policy reform, strengthen community-based adaptation efforts, and elevate women’s leadership in climate response across the continent.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, serves as President of OAFLAD and is spearheading the rollout in her country as part of a broader commitment for all African First Ladies to launch the campaign nationally.
The two-day event according to a release is set for December 12–13 at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown, will bring together First Ladies, government officials, development partners, and climate advocates for discussions on strengthening resilience frameworks for women and girls.
First Lady Boakai is expected to deliver remarks and participate in strategic dialogues aimed at expanding women’s empowerment and improving climate adaptation measures throughout Africa.
The OAFLAD Building Resilience Campaign comes at a time when African countries continue to experience rising climate-related shocks, including floods, droughts, and food insecurity, conditions that disproportionately affect women and girls.
The presence of the Liberian First Lady underscores Liberia’s commitment to regional collaboration in addressing these challenges and enhancing long-term climate resilience.First Lady Boakai is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the engagement.
