By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 6th March 2026- As part of activities marking International Women’s Day, Ecobank Sierra Leone today, 6th March 2026, hosted an inspiring pop-up sales event designed to give female entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products and connect directly with customers.
The Head of Brand Communications and Marketing at Ecobank Sierra Leone, Sheku Umar Jalloh, explained that the initiative has become a key annual activity, providing women with visibility and opportunities to grow their businesses.
“This event not only encourages patronage but also inspires other women to venture into entrepreneurship as a way of empowering themselves and creating employment opportunities,” Jalloh said. He disclosed that eight women-led businesses were invited to participate, citing Kujuls Naturals as an example of enterprises that empower women by teaching skills to produce natural hair and skincare products.
Amina Manty Marrah, owner of Kujuls Naturals, said the event allowed her to introduce her brand to new audiences.
“Our products are natural and safe, and this platform helps raise awareness while connecting us with customers who may not have known about us before,” she explained.
Marrah praised Ecobank for consistently encouraging entrepreneurs to bank and save, noting that this support has helped her manage capital and grow her business. She described the pop-up sales as “innovative and inspiring,” adding that it also fostered collaboration among women entrepreneurs.
Another participant, Fatima Bello, emphasized that celebrating International Women’s Day should go beyond speeches.
“Recognizing women who are actively working to empower themselves and others is equally important,” she said.
Bello highlighted Ecobank’s consistent support, noting that the bank has patronized her business during Women’s Day and other occasions. She described the pop-up sales as motivating, inspiring her each year to introduce new and innovative products.
With the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” Ecobank joined other institutions in providing a platform for women to showcase their potential. The theme underscores that when individuals, organizations, and communities invest in women through mentoring, education, advocacy, and resource sharing, society as a whole benefits.