Pujehun District, Saturday, November 8th, 2025: The Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Green Bank and Chairperson of the Women of Wanjama (WOW), Madam Naasu Fofanah, attended the United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL) Conference held in Pujehun District under the theme: “Transforming From District to National – The Role of Youth in Nation Building.” Her participation at this landmark gathering underscored the critical role of women-led organizations in advancing grassroots-driven development and empowering Sierra Leone’s youth.
In her opening address, Madam Fofanah commended U Team SL for its bold vision and mission to transform Pujehun District into a model of inclusive growth and national relevance. She emphasized that the empowerment of women and girls in decision-making processes is central to national progress, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender equality and inclusive leadership.
“The voices of women and girls must be heard in every decision-making space. Nation building requires equal responsibility from both ruling and opposition parties, working together to ensure that district development plans reflect the needs of all citizens. Pujehun must lead by example in showing that unity and inclusivity are the foundation of transformation,” Naasu Fofanah – Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Green Bank and Chairperson of the Women of Wanjama (WOW)
Madam Fofanah reaffirmed her serious commitment to supporting the mission and vision of U Team SL, pledging to collaborate with the organization in advancing programs that promote education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. She stressed that volunteerism must be embraced as a civic duty, noting that collective action by citizens is essential for peace, unity, and sustainable progress.
She further highlighted the importance of partnerships between women-led organizations, youth groups, civil society, and government institutions, noting that such collaborations are vital for fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development. “Development is not the work of government alone, it is the collective effort of citizens, civil society, and institutions working hand in hand. Women and youth must be at the center of this process and in the next five years I want to see women serving the role as guest speakers equally as men and political diversity,” she remarked.
Madam Fofanah also acknowledged the challenges facing Pujehun District, noting that the conference provided a platform for honest dialogue and collective solutions. She encouraged descendants of the district, leaders, and stakeholders to unite behind U Team SL’s Six-Year Strategic Development Plan (SDP 2024–2030), which envisions Pujehun as a hub of resilience, innovation, and youth-led transformation.
Concluding her address, Madam Fofanah issued a powerful call to action: “Let us unite behind the promise of a better future for Pujehun District and Sierra Leone. Let us embrace volunteerism, strengthen peace, and champion unity. Together, we can transform dreams into reality and ensure that the story of Pujehun becomes a beacon of hope and progress for the entire nation.”