Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the strategic agricultural planning workshop organized by the Women in Agriculture Network Sierra Leone.
The event took place on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the prestigious Sierra Palms Hotel.
Representatives from various sectors, including the Government, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, the Press, and the Academic Sector, joined forces at the workshop to discuss the current status of women in the Agricultural Sector. The primary objective was to develop effective strategies that maximize their participation in addressing Food Security in the country.
Mrs. Halen Bash Taqi, the Secretary of Women in Agriculture Network Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the Workshop, extended her warm welcome to all participants. She expressed special gratitude to Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the support received from UN Women for their unwavering dedication to the growth of the organization.
Mr. Ahmed Nanoh, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD), emphasized the crucial role of the Private Sector in revitalizing the Agricultural Sector. He highlighted the institution’s program, which has already benefited over a hundred women, helping them lift themselves out of poverty.
Madam Yatta Sama, representing the National Farmers Association, emphasized their commitment to collaborating with other organizations within the sector. She stressed that collaboration is the most effective approach in addressing the numerous challenges faced.
The Head of UN Women leveraged the opportunity to call upon the women in Sierra Leone to seize the moment, underscoring the profound impact it would have on their lives and the lives of their children.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Food Security and Climate Change, reaffirmed that the workshop’s agenda aligns closely with the government’s priorities. He further stated that the government is dedicated to creating more opportunities for women to enhance their productivity in the Agricultural Sector.
During her keynote address, Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, highlighted the government’s achievements in the agricultural sector over the past five years. She also stressed her efforts in emancipating women and girls from poverty and other forms of abuse.
“We now know that no one can abuse our children and go unpunished,” she emphatically stated.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio discussed the significant impact of the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, which has facilitated greater access to justice and empowerment programs for women and girls.
The First Lady utilized the platform to call upon the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector to intensify training and capacity-building programs. She stressed the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that women in the Agricultural Sector and individuals with disabilities can meaningfully contribute to the food security drive in the country. According to Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, these efforts will lead to enhanced productivity and the realization of sustainable food security in an inclusive society.
She further commended the prioritization of Free Quality Education as a deliberate effort by His Excellency the President to positively impact the Agricultural Sector and other sectors for a better Sierra Leone. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio also highlighted the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act as a testament to the President’s commitment to empowering women at all levels.
The First Lady urged the Women in Agriculture Network to ensure that their Strategic Plan is well-researched, forward-thinking, and achievable.
