Freetown, 18th May, 2026— Responding to the invitation of the Waterloo Market Women and the SLPP Western Rural District on 17th May, 2026, First Lady Fatima Bio has officially launched the Women’s Development Organization in Waterloo.
“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 said.
Fatima Bio said among the challenges raised by the women is the lack of proper market infrastructure, which stood out as the most urgent, stating that by the grace of God, if the land allocated for the market is secured, she would return before the end of this year to launch the construction project officially.
She reaffirmed her commitment that all funds raised through the Hands Off Our Girls campaign would be directed toward the “Table Banking Project.” This initiative will provide working capital to women in business to expand and strengthen their livelihoods, she said.
She also sensitized the women on the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, explaining its provisions, significance, and the opportunities it creates for women across Sierra Leone.
