Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has officially launched the Women’s Development Organization in Waterloo, Western Rural District, as part of efforts aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and community development.
The launch event, held on Saturday, May 17, 2026, followed an invitation by the Waterloo Market Women and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Western Rural District leadership.
Addressing women and supporters during the ceremony, the First Lady said her role as “Mother of the Nation” goes beyond ceremonial duties, stressing that she remains committed to engaging directly with communities and understanding the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
“As First Lady and Mother of the Nation, I recognize that my husband, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, cannot be in every community at once. My role is to complement his efforts by reaching the people directly, listening to their concerns, engaging with them, and relaying their messages firsthand,” she stated.
During the engagement, Fatima Bio said one of the major concerns raised by the women was the lack of adequate market infrastructure in Waterloo. She described the issue as urgent and assured the women that efforts are being made to address the challenge.
According to her, if the land allocated for the proposed market project is successfully secured, she intends to return before the end of the year to officially launch construction works for the new market facility.
The First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women economically through the “Table Banking Project,” an initiative she said would be funded through proceeds generated from the Hands Off Our Girls campaign.
She explained that the initiative is designed to provide working capital and financial support to women engaged in small-scale businesses and other livelihood activities to help them expand their economic opportunities.
“All funds raised through the Hands Off Our Girls campaign will be directed toward the Table Banking Project to support women in business and improve their livelihoods,” she noted.
Fatima Bio further used the occasion to sensitize the women on the provisions of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, highlighting its importance in advancing women’s participation, protection, and opportunities across Sierra Leone.
She encouraged women to take advantage of the opportunities created under the law and continue playing active roles in national development and community leadership.
The launch attracted market women, local SLPP officials, community stakeholders, and supporters from across the Western Rural District.