By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a significant boost for women’s empowerment across Sierra Leone, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, renowned politician and humanitarian, has pledged Le 4 billion to support women’s cooperative societies nationwide. The initiative, which took place at the Freetown Teachers’ College in Jui Junction, marked the launch of the Visionary Women’s Cooperative Society. This new cooperative aims to foster financial independence and economic stability for women, bringing hope and opportunity to communities across the country.
Representing Hon. Tarawally at the launch, Ambassador Bockarie Ensa, Coordinator of the Agenda Musa Tarawally 2028, highlighted that Hon. Tarawally has committed Le 200 million to each of 20 women’s cooperative societies nationwide. Ambassador Ensa described this initiative as part of their broader support for President Bio’s administration, underscoring the belief that sustainable development must include grassroots empowerment. “We know that government alone cannot provide employment for all,” he stated, “and Hon. Tarawally has stepped in to support women’s financial independence, thus uplifting communities from within.”
Ambassador Ensa further elaborated that their agenda aims to ensure the continuity of the SLPP administration in 2028. “This initiative strengthens our base and prepares the ground, reducing any potential friction in the future,” he added. He also revealed that all cooperative societies in the program have been formally registered and certified, with training support provided by the Sierra Leone Cooperative Society to equip the women with essential management skills.
The cooperative societies will engage in diverse economic activities, offering interest-free loans to their members. Ambassador Ensa assured the women that Hon. Tarawally remains committed to increasing his support if the cooperatives effectively manage their resources.
Madam Janet Moore, Chairlady of the Visionary Women’s Cooperative Society, shared her story of starting the initiative in January, driven by a vision to unite women for collective progress. “When I approached Hon. Tarawally, he supported the idea without hesitation and committed himself fully to our cause,” she said. The cooperative has since grown from an initial group of five women to over 150 members from various parts of Freetown, with numbers continuing to increase.
“Our progress is a testament to Hon. Tarawally’s unwavering support,” Madam Moore remarked, expressing gratitude on behalf of the cooperative. She pledged that the Visionary Women’s Cooperative Society would continue to stand by Hon. Tarawally and uphold his mission of empowering women across Sierra Leone.
