African Women Leaders Archives

May-Marie Duwai-Sowa is a dynamic leader dedicated to building bridges between nations. Appointed on February 6, 2023, by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, she became Sierra Leone’s first Special Envoy for International Relations, Trade, and Investment. In this historic role, she represents Sierra Leone in Canada and internationally, cultivating diplomatic ties and creating meaningful partnerships to enhance trade and investment opportunities for her country.

Champion of Equity and Inclusion

With an extensive career spanning public institutions, academia, and community organizations, May-Marie is widely recognized for her expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights. She has worked with marginalized communities including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ groups, using collaborative and innovative approaches to address systemic barriers.

Her work is grounded in an intersectional lens and a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to conflict resolution, dialogue, and mediation—demonstrating her commitment to justice and transformational social change.

Professional Impact Across Sectors

May-Marie has held influential roles including:

Employment Equity Specialist at McMaster University
Accessibility and Equity Specialist with the City of Hamilton
Economic Development Adviser with Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
Community Developer at Hamilton’s Centre for Civic Inclusion
Family Service Specialist with the Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey
Refugee Case Manager with Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey

She also leads as Principal Consultant at SierraCan Consulting (Canada) and SalPro Consulting (Sierra Leone), while serving as Founder and President of SierraCan Institute, CEO of Juvèm Hospitality Inc., Founder and Publisher of Illuminessence Magazine, and Founding Member and Mentor of Illuminating Ladies.

Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning

Her academic journey is just as impressive. She holds:

Honors BA in Sociology – Rider University (USA)
MA in Sociology and International Development – University of Guelph (Canada)
Executive Leadership Certificates – McMaster University (Canada)
Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership

She has also completed several professional development programs in Canada and the United States.

Recognition and Awards

May-Marie’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:

Miss Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone)
Sociological Award for Social Commitment (Rider University)
Diversity Champion Award (Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion)
Bravo Excellence Award (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs)
100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Honoree (2020)

Balancing Leadership and Family

Beyond her professional and diplomatic commitments, May-Marie is a devoted mother of two. She continues to balance her roles in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy while raising her family in Canada.

Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, has emerged as one of Africa’s most inspiring women leaders, advocating relentlessly for women’s empowerment and the protection of children. Since assuming office alongside her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, on April 4, 2018, she has used her platform to amplify critical issues affecting women and girls across Sierra Leone and the continent.

Born on November 27, 1980, in Koidu Town, Kono District, Fatima is of both Sierra Leonean and Gambian descent. Her journey reflects resilience and passion, from her early education at Ansarul Islamic School and St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School in Freetown to her academic achievements in the UK, where she earned degrees in Performing Arts and Journalism. Before stepping into public life, she was a celebrated actress, screenwriter, and film producer, earning recognition including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 2011 ZAFAA Awards.

Hands Off Our Girls: A Bold Campaign Against Child Marriage and Abuse

At the core of Fatima Maada Bio’s advocacy is her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, a nationwide initiative launched to combat child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. This campaign has gained international recognition and has sparked vital conversations about the rights of young girls in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Her advocacy efforts were instrumental in the passing of a landmark women’s rights bill, mandating that 30% of Sierra Leone’s workforce and government positions be reserved for women. The bill also guarantees 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, a groundbreaking achievement in the country’s fight for gender equality.

President of OAFLAD: Leading African First Ladies

Beyond Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio serves as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). In this role, she continues to push for continental policies that uplift women and children, ensuring their voices and needs are prioritized in development agendas.

Her leadership on the international stage reinforces the idea that empowering women is not only a moral obligation but also a catalyst for national and continental progress.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Fatima’s impact goes beyond legislation and campaigns; she has become a symbol of resilience and hope. From her creative background in Nollywood to her role as First Lady, her life’s journey demonstrates that women can transform society through determination, compassion, and action.

Her story continues to inspire women, mothers, and young girls across Africa, proving that leadership grounded in empathy and advocacy has the power to shape a more inclusive future.

Fatima Maada Bio is not just the First Lady of Sierra Leone , she is a trailblazer for women’s rights and child protection across Africa. Through initiatives like Hands Off Our Girls and her presidency of OAFLAD, she is laying the foundation for lasting change that uplifts communities and transforms nations.

Her journey is a reminder that when women lead, societies thrive.