Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, on Monday, November 10, 2025, held a meeting with the National Executive of the Women Traders Union at her office to discuss issues affecting women traders across the country.
During the engagement, representatives of the union highlighted several challenges confronting women in the informal trading sector, including limited access to finance, poor market infrastructure, and the growing social impact of drug abuse, particularly the use of “Kush,” which continues to devastate families and communities nationwide.
In response, Dr. Bio reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women traders and pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address these pressing issues. She also emphasized the need for collective action to combat the spread of illicit drugs, warning that substance abuse poses a serious threat to the nation’s youth and overall socioeconomic stability.
The meeting formed part of the First Lady’s broader initiative to promote women’s empowerment and strengthen the role of women in national development. Participants commended her consistent advocacy for gender equality, education, and community welfare.
Officials from the Women Traders Union described the engagement as productive, expressing optimism that the discussions would lead to practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of market women across Sierra Leone.
According to the Office of the First Lady, follow-up meetings will be held to develop concrete strategies for implementing the commitments discussed.
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