By: Audrey Raymonda John
The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech at the Julius Maada Bio (JMB) Women’s Wing Annual Dinner and Dance in the United Kingdom, held at the Oasis Banqueting Hall on Friday, September 4, 2025.
In a hall filled with energy, pride, and determination, the First Lady, who also serves as the President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), passionately called on the Sierra Leonean diaspora to unite, rise, and join her vision for a future defined by progress, power, and empowerment.
“Unity is the lifeblood of political survival,” she declared, emphasizing that strength in solidarity is what propels nations and parties forward.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio paid glowing tribute to the JMB Women’s Wing, describing them as the unwavering pillar of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
“When the journey was hard, it was the JMB Women’s Wing that carried the torch steady and unshakable,” she said. “Every election cycle, when resources were scarce and the campaign road was tough, it was these women who rose up.”
She recalled how, in the past, women would contribute what little they had sometimes just a handful of coins—to raise funds. They cooked and sold food, organized community events, and supported the party through their small businesses.
“Those fundraisers weren’t just about money. They were about love, loyalty, and sacrifice. They proved that when women come together, no obstacle is too high, and no challenge too great.”
As Sierra Leone continues on its path of development under President Julius Maada Bio, the First Lady reminded attendees that the journey is far from over.
“We must not forget that the road ahead is still long, and the eyes of the nation are upon us. We cannot afford to be distracted. We must not let jealousy, division, or fatigue tear down what we’ve worked so hard to build.”
She stressed that their mission is not about personal glory or competition but about serving Sierra Leone, where children deserve real learning in schools, hospitals should offer true healing ad communities must enjoy lasting peace.
Dr. Bio passionately reminded the women that they are the backbone of this mission, as mothers, nurturers, protectors, and visionaries.
“Who better understands sacrifice than women?” she asked. “You carry lives, nurture families, protect your communities. You know what it means to give so that others may thrive.”
She praised the JMB Women’s Wing for their consistency, love, and resilience “When the party needed strength, they stood firm., when the party needed numbers, they filled the ground. When the party needed love, they gave it abundantly.”
While acknowledging the many sacrifices made long nights, tireless fundraising, and often feeling unseen she reminded the women that history sees them, and the future will remember them. “One day, your daughters will rise and say: ‘It was the women of SLPP especially the JMB Women’s Wing who kept the vision alive, who refused to be shaken.’”
She urged them to hold each other up, not tear one another down. To lift the tired, embrace the left out, and remind the doubtful that they are stronger together.
“You are not just women in politics you are mothers of the nation. You are the keepers of the flame. And that flame must not go out not now, not ever.” Dr. Fatima Maada Bio concluded with a resounding message of hope and empowerment “The journey is yours. The victory is yours. The future is yours. With the JMB Women’s Wing standing strong raising funds, lifting spirits you will carry the banner. You will carry SLPP to greater heights. And together, we will ensure Sierra Leone continues to move forward.”