This year’s theme: “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” was to create a platform for young women to interact with influential Sierra Leonean women to inspire them in participating in leadership, governance and development of the country.

Giving the keynote address Madam Joyce Abu urged women to have vision that will lead them to empowerment, stating that everybody is now getting aware and conscious of what they can be as a woman.

The celebration according to Madam Joyce Abu is not a new thing in the country, adding that, women should use the day to reflect on where they once were as women as far back as 1985; and how and where they want to be a few years from now.

“Celebration should not be about drinking, eating, dancing or singing because all of them are minute aspects,” she said; adding that women empowerment is not just about singing and dancing but about building the capacity of women.

She further said that, they should also use the day as a reflection of what has been happening to the girl-child with regard rape and other sexual offences and how they can educate young girls to be aware and fight back.

Sharing her experience with the Executive Director Kombra Women in Action for Safer Life, Imma Kamara she said she was a victim of non-formal education but was however focused and determined to achieve her goals.

Kombra Women in Action for Safer Life according to Imma Kamara is an organization which aims at empowering women to think as equals with their male counterparts and being smart for entrepreneurship and other achievements in life.