By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
On Friday, March 7, 2025, Solidaridad West Africa commemorated International Women’s Day with a powerful gathering at its regional office in Kenema. The event brought together women farmers, workers, and stakeholders from various sectors to celebrate the theme “Accelerate Actions.” This occasion served as a rallying call for women to invest in their personal and professional growth while taking proactive steps toward achieving gender equality.
In her opening remarks, Aminata Bah, Senior Programme Officer and Gender Officer at Solidaridad West Africa, welcomed participants with an inspiring message. She emphasised the importance of this year’s theme, urging women to embrace change, push for progress, and fully harness their potential.
“This year, we are challenged to accelerate our actions and bring out the best in ourselves,” Bah stated, encouraging attendees to take bold steps in shaping their futures and contributing meaningfully to national development.
The event’s highlight was an engaging panel discussion led by Fatmata Grace Okekearu, who reinforced the idea that women possess unique strengths that should be embraced and fully utilised.
“Women are made in a unique way,” Okekearu remarked. “We must stand up for our rights, actively participate in decision-making, and take ownership of our future.”
She also celebrated the achievements of Ela Kobolo Golama, Sierra Leone’s first female minister. Golama’s groundbreaking role paved the way for women in leadership, and Okekearu stressed that her legacy should inspire more women to break barriers and pursue leadership roles across different sectors.
A key focus of the discussions was the role of women in agriculture and the ongoing challenges they face. Panelists shared personal experiences of overcoming obstacles through resilience, innovation, and strategic decision-making. Many recounted how their determination had not only transformed their farms but also uplifted their families and communities.
District Agriculture Officer Mathew Kenneh emphasised the need for greater gender inclusion in agriculture. He encouraged women to assert themselves in the sector.
“Women must not be relegated to the back. Regardless of economic status, every woman deserves a seat at the table and must move forward side by side with men,” Kenneh declared.
He also highlighted the importance of religious and cultural teachings in promoting gender equality, pointing out that both the Bible and the Quran advocate for women’s empowerment and equal participation in leadership.
The International Women’s Day celebration in Kenema was not only a moment to reflect on past achievements but also a call to action for women to amplify their voices, demand their rights, and push for a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, participants left the event inspired to take proactive steps in their personal and professional lives, ensuring that the momentum for women’s empowerment continues to grow in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The celebration concluded with a radio discussion at Nyapui Radio in Kenema city, where key insights from the event were shared with a broader audience.
