A new banking project to support women working in trade in Sierra Leone

Written by: Mohammed Omran

Fatima Bey, wife of the president, met Sierra LeoneThousands of women from across the country gathered near the Clock Tower, following the inauguration of the Manua Bridge, as part of events aimed at strengthening ties with local communities and supporting women's issues.

Women of the Bo community in Sierra Leone demand empowerment... and a powerful message from Fatima Bio.

The meeting came after a call from women in the Bo district requesting a direct meeting to convey their voices and emphasize their unity and cohesion, which Ms. Fatima Bew responded to, stressing during her speech the importance of empowering women and enhancing their role in society.

A new banking project to support women working in trade in Sierra Leone

The gathering witnessed an unprecedented turnout of women, in a message that was seen as indicative of the growing collective awareness among women and their ability to influence public life, as the participants stressed the importance of protecting and supporting young girls to become more independent and self-reliant.

During the meeting, Fatima Beyo reviewed the “Table Banking” project, which she intends to launch soon, with the aim of supporting women working in trade and enabling them to obtain the necessary financing to develop their businesses, and to alleviate the burden resulting from traditional loans with high interest rates.

She also noted TIKA’s readiness to begin building a modern and advanced hospital, aimed at providing specialized medical services to treat complex health complications faced by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children.

She affirmed that the large turnout of women from across the country reflects a state of solidarity and increasing readiness to participate in decision-making, stressing her commitment to supporting these efforts and not abandoning women's issues.

In a direct message to women, Fatima Bio called for self-confidence and pride in identity, saying that African women should value themselves and not allow anyone to diminish their worth, stressing that women are capable of leading and influencing when they unite and work with one voice.

She concluded her speech with a symbolic message, saying: “I am Fatima, you are Fatima, we are Fatima, we will remain Fatima,” in an expression of women’s unity and support for solidarity among them in Sierra Leone.