March 19, 2021
By: Aruna Kamara (Bo)
Members of the Sierra Leone Traders Union in Bo District has changed the narrative of allowing men to be Vice Chairperson by electing a woman, Esther Koroma Pendema as the Bo District Chairperson to bring the desired changes within the Union.
Madam Esther Koroma Pendema told this medium that it was not an easy battle to defeat two men in the hotly contested election as the Sierra Traders Union executive had been dominated by men. She expressed delight saying “it is time they give chance to the women to be by them and help bring positive change within the union.”
She added: “I am in the union to ably represent my women folk and to know their right but not to challenge their husbands. They should know that what men do; women can do it better.”
Madam Pendema expressed hope that it is a good thing that the men are given them the chance to rule alongside in contributing to institutional and national building. She promised to give her unwavering cooperation and support to her boss, who is the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Traders Union in Bo District.
She disclosed that while she was the chairlady for the meat and palm oil Sellers at Shelmingo Section and later became Chief Market head for five years, members of the union were impressed with her performance. She said it is her good performance catapulted her to the current enviable position, having defeated the two men who contested against her.
Mrs. Pendema however said “I will continue to talk to the opponents to work with me in achieving our set goals and they should know that leadership comes from God. We need you and so forget about the election and work towards the development of the Union.”
She further stated that since been elected into office they had lobbied with the Bo City Council to outsource table registration with the Union and she was at the helm of affairs as the coordinator for the registration.
Madam Pendema went on to say that they were able to register over four thousand tables for the Bo City Council and the Union was given their own quota for the registration. She described the table registration as success story much to the admiration of the Bo City Council. She referred to that incident as a test of her leadership as the Vice Chairperson of Union in Bo District.
“I want people to know that when women are given the chance to take part in governance they can perform well. So give chance to more women to change the society for the better.”
The new Chairperson said that they have join DICOVERC to mount outreach education around the district for the adherence of COVID 19 measures, and that children should not be allowed in the market to sell but should be at school and observe all preventive measures.