08/03/2026
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026 MESSAGE BY MR. JOHN OPONJO BENJAMIN (J.O.B)
SLPP DISTINGUISHED GRAND-CHIEF PATRON & FLAGBEARER ASPIRANT.
As the world prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, I, Mr. John Oponjo Benjamin (J.O.B), on behalf of myself, my team, and the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), extend warm and heartfelt congratulations to women across the globe, particularly SLPP women and the resilient, hardworking women of Sierra Leone.
International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration; it is a solemn reminder of the indispensable role women play in every sphere of life, political, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual. Women are the backbone of our homes, the drivers of our communities, and the pillars upon which nations stand.
Their immeasurable contributions to peacebuilding, governance, entrepreneurship, education, and national development continue to shape the destiny of our country and our continent.
On this significant occasion, I express profound appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his demonstrated commitment to promoting the welfare of women, girls, and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone. His administration has taken commendable steps toward advancing gender equality and creating greater opportunities for women to assume leadership roles and actively participate in national development.
I must also sincerely commend Her Excellency the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, for her tireless advocacy and tremendous efforts in defending and promoting the rights of women and girls across the country.
Through the impactful Hands Off Our Girls initiative, she has amplified the fight against gender-based violence and harmful practices, ensuring that the voices of our girls are heard and protected.
As men, this celebration must also serve as a call to action. It is a day for us to stand firm in supporting policies and initiatives that promote and protect the dignity of women. We must confront and challenge outdated myths, harmful traditional norms, and cultural practices that discriminate against or victimize women under the guise of tradition. I call upon my male counterparts, especially our revered traditional leaders, to critically examine such practices and work collectively to ensure that women are respected, valued, and protected in every community.
As your SLPP Distinguished Grand-Chief Patron and Flagbearer Aspirant, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment.
Should I be entrusted with the Flagbearer position of our great party and, by the will of the people, elected President of this nation, I pledge to work collaboratively with other political parties, fellow African leaders, and members of the international community, including United Nations and UN Women, to strengthen the implementation of laws that promote women’s rights and dismantle systems that devalue or marginalize women.
Our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, daughters, and nieces are the heartbeat of our society. Their aspirations are our collective responsibility.
Therefore, this International Women’s Day must serve as a clarion call for government institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, and international partners to intensify efforts toward safeguarding the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women everywhere.
Drawing from my experience as former SLPP Kailahun District Council Chairman, former SLPP National Chairman and Leader, and former Minister of Finance, I remain deeply committed to advancing inclusive governance and sustainable development that leaves no woman behind. During my tenure as SLPP National Chairman and Leader, women and youth leaders were made permanent delegates at constituency, district, regional, and national levels. This demonstrated my firm belief in inclusion and my enduring commitment to empowering women and young people. I remain proud to stand as a HeForShe advocate in advancing gender equality.
As we approach this important global celebration, I once again wish all women a peaceful, joyous, and empowering International Women’s Day.
I also extend sincere appreciation to the United Nations system, UN Women, and all organizations working tirelessly to promote and defend the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Your Aspiring SLPP Flagbearer Aspirant,
Mr. John Oponjo Benjamin (J.O.B – “Just Our Best”) and Team
