First Lady Fatima Bio Celebrates Mandingo Culture and Calls for Girls’ Education
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, serving as guest of honour at celebrations of Mandingo culture organised by the North America Mandingo Women Association (NAMWA), promoted the need for girls’ education.
Speaking during the celebrations, the First Lady expressed pride in her Mandingo heritage and highlighted the values she said the culture has instilled in her over the years.
“I am immensely proud to be a Mandingo woman,” she said.
Fatima Bio said Mandingo culture is known for values including resilience, dignity, family, community and leadership.
She also praised Mandingo women for coming together to celebrate their heritage and said their unity and purpose were inspiring.
“To see our women come together with such pride and purpose was truly inspiring,” she said.
The First Lady used the occasion to stressed the importance of education, particularly for women and girls. She said education gives women greater opportunities to make decisions, lead, contribute to their families and communities, and play a role in shaping the future of their countries.
She said educating girls is also an investment in future generations.
According to the First Lady, the celebration was more than an opportunity to showcase Mandingo culture. She said it was also a reminder of the community’s heritage and the responsibility to ensure that the next generation of Mandingo girls grows up understanding the strength of their heritage and pursuing their dreams.
“I was proud to stand among these remarkable women, celebrating our identity while embracing the future,” she said.
Fatima Bio said traditions can be preserved while girls are empowered to become educated, confident, compassionate and courageous leaders.
She expressed appreciation to NAMWA for organising the event and creating a platform to celebrate Mandingo women, education, empowerment and culture.
She also called for continued support for women and girls and the preservation of Mandingo heritage for future generations.
“May we continue to lift one another, open doors for our daughters, and preserve the richness of our heritage for generations to come,” she said.
The First Lady ended her message by reaffirming her pride in her Mandingo identity, her identity as a woman and her commitment to the education and empowerment of girls.