First Lady Fatima Maada Bio joined workers and guests at the National Labour Awards Dinner held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown to mark this year’s Labour Day, where she was honoured with a special award for her support of workers’ rights.

The event brought together people from various fields to recognise the role of workers in the country’s growth. During the night, the First Lady received an award for her continued support for workers’ rights and welfare.

In her speech, she said the award was a reminder to keep standing with those who help keep the country moving. She mentioned this was her first official engagement with labour matters in Sierra Leone, but said the work of protecting workers is important and must continue.

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She spoke about the many workers who are not able to speak freely at their workplaces because they are afraid they could lose their jobs. She said Labour Day should not only be about celebration, but also about recognising those who do not have a voice. “We are celebrating the many women, men, youth, old and children who, for some reason, are not allowed to speak at work,” she said.

The First Lady encouraged people to keep doing what brings positive change. “If you are doing what helps you sleep at night, do it. If you are doing something that changes lives and lifts people out of poverty, then do it,” she said.

She told the audience that as First Lady, she does not receive a government salary and for that reason cannot be dismissed. She thanked the people of Sierra Leone for allowing her husband to serve, which gave her the chance to serve as well. “If it’s not for you, no one would know who I am,” she said.

She also shared that the phrase once linked to her political party, “PAOPA,” now means holding people accountable. “If you are doing what you’re not supposed to do for the people, they will tell you it will not happen,” she said.

She added that for any nation to move forward, the people must want that change for themselves. “The mentality needs to change, our focus needs to change,” she said. “What we want is easy to see, but how to get there is where the work is.”

The First Lady spoke about political tolerance, saying, “I am who I am, you are who you are. I cannot ask you to leave your party, and you cannot ask me to leave mine,” but said that doesn’t stop them from working together. She called on everyone to stay committed to building the country. “We can still contribute and still be Sierra Leoneans one people, with one goal. Together, we can do it,” she said.

The First Lady asked not to be left out of future conversations on labour issues, saying she now considers herself part of the movement. She congratulated all the organisations that received awards and thanked the Ministry of Labour for organising the event.

“As we move forward, I encourage everyone to remain united. Together we can build a stronger and more prosperous nation,” she said.