The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E Madam Fatima Bio, Attended Antalya Diplomacy Forum Panel Discussion with the theme “Strengthening Solidarity and Promoting Peace through SOFT POWER”, 12th March 2022

In her opening statement, Madam Emine Erdogan stresses the role of soft power in diplomacy as the ideal way to permanent and sustainable peace. She stated that women are underrepresented in peace negotiations and mediations. She, therefore, called on world leaders to review their approaches and methods of diplomacy to keep up with the new world order that is emerging.

 (L-R) First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye H.E Emine Erdoğan, Former First Lady of Haiti Madam Martine Moise, and Sierra Leone's First Lady H.E. Fatima Maada Bio

In this context, Madam Erdogan said that as First Ladies, ‘We want to draw the attention of peace actors to embrace soft power in diplomacy’. She said that women must continue consultations on peacebuilding amidst the devastation and suffering caused by the war in Ukraine. “The cries of mothers who lost their children in conflicts resonate all over the world. Every day, we witness families falling apart; unfortunately, the dark shadow of war has once again fallen upon humanity," she lamented.

Regardless of race or religion, the pain and fear experienced by a child or a woman in the face of war are equal. "Today, the reflex shown in the face of the war in Ukraine, which has plunged us all into great grief, was not shown equally for other oppressed peoples before the conflict.  One tear cannot wipe another can only add. So let's take this day as a milestone and unite against all the wars that already exist,” the First Lady concluded.

     (L-R) First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye H.E Emine Erdoğan, and Sierra Leone's First Lady H.E. Fatima Maada Bio

Ambassador Jean-Paul Carteron, founder and honorary president of Crans Montana Forum (CMF), also re-echoed the call of Madam Erdoğan. He stated that “Women and children are disproportionately affected by the wars. So women and children are the first victims of war.

 
After the meeting, Madam Fatima Bio promised that she would engage her colleague First Ladies in the region and women in Sierra Leone, who make up more than 52 % of the population, to advocate for the inclusion of women in peace negotiation and mediation.

For more inquiries:
HAWA GEORGETTE TUCKER
Information Attaché
Sierra Leone Embassy
Ankara Türkiye
+905373554899
Email address: htucker@sierraleoneembassy.org.tr