The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) has launched a new campaign #BuildingResilience  to tackle the rising dual crises of climate change and conflict, that continue to affect women and girls across Africa. 

The launch was unveiled at a side event on 23 September 2025, at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The campaign aims to empower women and girls in the vulnerable regions through  promoting the accessibility of  health and education, preventing gender-based violence, and ensuring that women and girls’ voices shape inclusive policies and programs.

H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone who spearheaded the official launch highlighting that, 

“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,” 

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Echoing this call, Kenya’s first lady Mama Rachel Ruto reiterated OAFLAD’s collective pledge and called for gender inclusive policies. 

” We as African First Ladies made pledges of commitment and I pledged to advocate for policies that address the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, and demand a seat for them at the decision-making table to design and implement equitable solutions,”  Mama Rachel Ruto noted. 

The Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) brings African First Ladies together to amplify their voices  and use their platforms to advance education, health,  women’s empowerment, and sustainable development across the African continent. With the new initiative OAFLAD will place women and girls’ leadership at the heart of Africa’s response to some of the greatest challenges.